Greek-style chicken soup with lemon and dill

This Greek-style chicken soup features tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy lemon-dill sauce for a comforting meal. The combination of fresh ingredients and careful tempering creates a delightful, zesty flavor profile.

06 Jan 2026
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts
2 stalks celery
1 carrot
1 onion
2 yolks
1 cup sour cream
1 lemon
10 sprigs dill
1 dash black pepper
1/4 cup white rice
Greek-style chicken soup with lemon and dill

Greek-style chicken soup with lemon and dill is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. This traditional recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy lemon-dill sauce to create a unique and delectable taste experience. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or a seasoned foodie, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the carrot, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot, add the chicken breasts and cover them with about 8 cups of water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Reserve the cooking broth.
3. Make the Soup Base:
- Add the chopped carrot, celery, and onion to the pot with the reserved broth.
- Add 1/4 cup white rice to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables and rice are tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside.
5. Prepare the Lemon-Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 egg yolks and 1 cup of sour cream until smooth.
- Zest and juice the lemon. Add the lemon juice and zest to the egg and sour cream mixture, whisking well to combine.
6. Temper the Lemon-Egg Mixture:
- Slowly add about 1 cup of the hot soup broth to the lemon-egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. This process, called tempering, will help to gently heat the mixture.
7. Incorporate the Lemon-Egg Mixture:
- Slowly pour the tempered lemon-egg mixture back into the pot of soup, stirring continuously to combine.

8. Add the Chicken and Dill:
- Add the shredded chicken back into the soup and mix well.
- Chop the dill finely and add it to the soup.
- Season with a dash of black pepper to taste.
9. Simmer the Soup:
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired. Enjoy your Greek-style chicken soup with a fresh squeeze of lemon on top for an extra burst of flavor!

By following these easy steps, you can create a delicious Greek-style chicken soup with lemon and dill that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy sour cream, and zesty lemon makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy your homemade soup with warm crusty bread for a perfect culinary delight.

Greek-style chicken soup with lemon and dill FAQ:

What is the recommended baking time for this chicken soup?

This recipe does not involve baking; it is made on the stovetop. The chicken simmers for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

How can I determine when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it is no longer pink.

What size pot should I use for this recipe?

A large pot that can hold at least 8 cups of water is recommended to accommodate the chicken, broth, and vegetables comfortably.

Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Adjust the cooking time as needed if using cooked chicken.

How do I store leftovers of this soup?

Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips:

- Season the chicken breasts well before cooking to enhance their flavor.

- Use fresh dill for the best flavor, but if it's not available, dried dill can be substituted.

- To prevent the soup from curdling, temper the egg yolks by slowly adding a bit of the hot broth to the yolks and whisking continuously before adding them to the soup.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference.

- For a thicker soup, you can increase the amount of rice or use a hand blender to blend a portion of the soup.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 360kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fiber 2.37g
Sugar 6g
Fat 18g

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