Hearty Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: A Comforting & Flavorful Delight

This traditional Greek dish, often known as “Avgolemono,” is a rich and velvety soup that combines the bold flavors of chicken, lemon, and fresh herbs. It’s a comforting choice for cooler days or when you need a nourishing pick-me-up. The soup is thickened with eggs, giving it a creamy texture without the use of cream. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients:

– 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
– 10 cups chicken broth
– 3/4 cup long-grain rice
– 3 eggs
– 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Fresh dill or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Broth:
– In a large pot, place the chicken pieces and add the chicken broth. If you prefer more depth in flavor, you can also add a peeled onion, a carrot, and a sprig of celery for additional aromatics.
– Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

2. Cook the Rice:
– Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the broth if needed.
– Add the rice to the broth and cook over low-medium heat until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Prepare the Avgolemono Sauce:
– While the rice is cooking, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until frothy.
– Gradually whisk in the lemon juice until well combined.

4. Thicken the Soup:
– Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to low to prevent curdling.
– Slowly ladle about 1 cup of hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
– Slowly add the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the rice and broth, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly.

5. Finish the Soup:
– Shred or chop the cooled chicken meat and return it to the soup.
– Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently if necessary, but avoid boiling.
– Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired and serve hot.

Enjoy this nourishing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup as a satisfying main course, paired perfectly with crusty bread or a simple green salad.