Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re in search of pure comfort in a bowl, Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is destined to become your go-to recipe. Silky, lemony, and endlessly soothing, this soul-warming dish balances bright citrus with tender chicken and luscious egg yolks, creating a soup that’s as cozy as it is refreshing. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this is a recipe that everyone will want seconds of and you’ll love having in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, the ingredients are both approachable and transformative. Every item plays an essential role: some build a flavorful base, others add richness, and the fresh lemon juice steals the show with its bright finish.

• Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, ensuring every spoonful is savory and satisfying.
• Fresh lemon juice: Don’t skimp on freshness here! This brings zing and a signature tanginess you can’t fake.
• Shredded carrots: Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
• Finely chopped onion: Builds a gently aromatic base for the soup.
• Finely chopped celery: Brings mild earthiness and body to the broth.
• Chicken soup base: This deepens and enriches the chicken flavor—perfect for that “simmered all day” effect.
• Ground white pepper: Lends a more delicate spiciness than black pepper, letting the lemon shine.
• Margarine: Ensures the soup is silky, not greasy; butter can be swapped in if desired.
• All-purpose flour: Essential for adding body and a gentle creaminess.
• Egg yolks: The secret to velvety texture—don’t skip this step!
• Cooked white rice: Makes every bite hearty while soaking up all the flavors.
• Diced cooked chicken: Adds satisfying protein, ideal for leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
• Lemon slices: For an extra boost of flavor and a beautiful finish on each bowl.

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by setting the stage for maximum flavor. In a generous soup pot, add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, shredded carrots, chopped onion, celery, chicken soup base, and ground white pepper. Crank the heat to high and bring everything to a boil—your kitchen will be quickly filled with the most inviting aromas! Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This lets the vegetables soften and meld into a deeply savory, citrusy broth that’s the heart of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.

Step 2: Thicken the Soup

Meanwhile, grab a small bowl and mash the margarine together with the flour until you get a soft, smooth paste. Now, working slowly, stir this buttery mixture into your simmering soup. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice the soup taking on a silkier, slightly thickened texture—exactly what you want for that luxurious mouthfeel.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

This is the moment where Greek Lemon Chicken Soup gets its signature velvety finish. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and creamy. Now, to avoid scrambling the eggs, carefully ladle a bit of your hot soup into the yolks, whisking vigorously. This little dance is called tempering, and it ensures a smooth, creamy soup. Once you’ve warmed up the yolks, gently pour the mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly so everything incorporates seamlessly. Cook over low heat until just heated through—don’t let it boil, or you’ll lose that lovely texture!

Step 4: Finish the Soup

Now for the final touches! Stir in the cooked white rice and diced chicken. Let it all heat together, just a few minutes more, until everything is piping hot and perfectly combined. Each spoonful is now packed with bites of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a whisper of lemony broth.

Step 5: Serve

Your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is ready to be enjoyed. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and float a fresh lemon slice on top of each serving. It’s simple, elegant, and sure to brighten up any table.

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Garnishes

For a classic, eye-catching finish, lay a lemon slice atop each bowl—it’s more than just decoration, as that extra hit of citrus is irresistible. If you’re feeling creative, sprinkle over some chopped fresh dill or parsley for color and herbal freshness. A few cracks of fresh white pepper can amp up the aroma just before serving.

Side Dishes

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup pairs perfectly with rustic bread or pita, ready for dunking into any leftover broth. Consider a simple cucumber-tomato salad, olives, or even a tangy feta cheese sidecar for a complete Mediterranean vibe. If you want to keep things light, a crisp green salad is tough to beat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy dinner party touch, serve the soup in wide, shallow bowls with an artful lemon twist. Tiny ramekins make adorable appetizers. Or, set up a DIY soup bar with garnishes—think fresh herbs, lemon zest, even a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil—for everyone to customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining Greek Lemon Chicken Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days—just enough time to savor the leftovers for lunch the next day or a quick weeknight dinner.

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, the egg yolks may cause it to separate when reheated. For best results, freeze the lemony broth, chicken, and vegetables without the egg yolk mixture. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup, then whisk in freshly tempered eggs for the silkiest texture.

Reheating

Warm leftover Greek Lemon Chicken Soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep it smooth. Avoid boiling, as high heat may curdle the eggs and change the texture. A splash of extra broth or lemon juice will revive any flavors that have mellowed in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—it’s flavorful, tender, and makes assembly even faster. Just dice it and fold it in when the recipe calls for cooked chicken.

What’s the best rice to use in Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

Simple white rice is traditional and soaks up all that bright lemony broth like a dream, but feel free to use brown rice for a nuttier, chewier twist. Arborio rice or orzo also work for a fun variation if that’s what you have on hand.

Is there a way to make this gluten free?

Yes! Swap the flour for your favorite gluten-free blend or even cornstarch (mixed with a little cold water first) to thicken the soup, and check that your chicken soup base is gluten free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is best for that signature brightness, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. You may want to add a touch more for the proper zing, and a bit of zest if available, to keep the flavor lively.

Can I add other vegetables to Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

Definitely! Diced zucchini, spinach, or peas can jazz things up nicely. Just add them after the initial veggies have softened so everything stays perfectly cooked and vibrantly colored.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking the ultimate comfort food or a show-stopping starter, Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is always a delight. Tangy, rich, and positively sunshine-filled, you’ll want to make this classic on repeat. Let it bring comfort to your table and joy to everyone lucky enough to share a bowl with you!

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