Description
A bright and comforting Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo in a silky lemon-egg broth. Light yet filling, it’s the perfect blend of citrus and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup orzo or rice
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, shredded chicken, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the orzo (or rice) and cook for 10 minutes until tender.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and lemon juice until smooth.
7. Slowly ladle in about ½ cup of the hot soup broth, whisking continuously, to temper the eggs.
8. Gradually pour the tempered mixture back into the soup, stirring constantly.
9. Simmer for 2 more minutes (don’t let it boil, or the eggs may curdle).
10. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
11. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor—avoid bottled juice. Tempering the eggs is key to a creamy texture without curdling. For a creamier version, stir in a splash of coconut milk or additional broth just before serving. This soup pairs well with toasted pita or a light Greek salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup, avgolemono, lemon orzo soup