Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup – Creamy Mediterranean Comfort Bowl)

This Avgolemono soup recipe is a classic Greek lemon chicken soup made with tender chicken, rice, eggs, and fresh lemon juice blended into a silky broth. Bright, cozy, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings. Pair it with Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad, Greek Orzo Salad, or Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki) for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This

• A classic Greek avgolemono soup with bright lemon flavor

• Creamy texture without using cream

• Comforting yet light and fresh

• Simple Mediterranean ingredients

• Perfect balance of savory chicken and vibrant citrus

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Servings: 6

Nutrition Information

• Calories: ~270 per serving

• Protein: 22 g

• Carbohydrates: 23 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Sodium: ~600 mg

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)

• 1 small onion, finely diced (150 g)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 cups chicken broth (1.9 L)

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (185 g)

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (280 g)

• 3 large eggs

• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (80 ml)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Optional garnish

• extra fresh dill

• cracked black pepper

• lemon slices

Nutrition Information

• Calories: ~270 per serving

• Protein: 22 g

• Carbohydrates: 23 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Sodium: ~600 mg

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.

3. Cook the rice:

4. Add the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

5. Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Prepare the avgolemono mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

7. Temper the eggs: Slowly whisk about 1 cup of hot broth into the egg mixture to warm it gradually.

8. Finish the soup: Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot while stirring gently.

9. Do not boil: Keep the soup warm over low heat for 2–3 minutes. Do not let it boil or the eggs may curdle.

10. Season and serve: Add salt, pepper, and fresh dill or parsley. Serve warm with extra lemon if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Orzo variation: Replace rice with ¾ cup (140 g) orzo pasta.

• Extra lemon flavor: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice at the end.

• Vegetable boost: Stir in spinach or chopped kale before serving.

• Rotisserie shortcut: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for faster prep.

• Silky restaurant texture: Blend a small portion of the soup and return it to the pot.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Avgolemono soup keeps well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling so the egg mixture stays smooth.

Freezing is not recommended, as the egg-lemon sauce can separate once thawed.

FAQ

What does avgolemono mean?

Avgolemono translates to “egg and lemon”, the signature Greek sauce that thickens the soup.

Why is my soup not creamy?

The creamy texture comes from properly tempering the eggs and stirring gently while adding them back to the broth.

Can I make avgolemono without rice?

Yes. Some versions use orzo, pastina, or no starch at all.

Is avgolemono healthy?

Yes. It’s high in protein, naturally creamy without dairy, and part of many Mediterranean-style diets.

Final Thoughts

Avgolemono soup is one of the most beloved Greek comfort foods, combining tender chicken, silky broth, and vibrant lemon flavor into a bowl that feels both cozy and refreshing. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, light lunches, or whenever you want a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish.

If you enjoy Mediterranean soups and bright citrus flavors, you might also love Mediterranean Lentil Soup, Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, or Gazpacho Soup from Cozy Home Recipes.

For even more wholesome Mediterranean meals, explore our Mediterranean Diet Recipes collection, or browse our Best Soup Recipes roundup for more cozy bowls.