28 May 2025
Cook time 60 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
1/2 cup white rice
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
3 eggs
6 tbsp lemon juice
Greek chicken soup, also known as 'Avgolemono,' is a classic and comforting dish that features the zesty flavor of lemon combined with the richness of chicken and the creaminess of an egg-based broth. This Greek culinary delight is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day or as a refreshing soup year-round.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold running water.
- Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with water (about 8-10 cups). Make sure the chicken is fully submerged.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.
3. Remove Chicken and Prepare Broth:
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth into a large bowl or another pot to remove any bone fragments and impurities.
- Pour the strained broth back into the pot.
4. Cook the Rice:
- Add the 1/2 cup of white rice to the broth.
- Bring the broth to a boil once again, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
- While the rice is cooking, carefully remove the meat from the chicken bones. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
6. Prepare the Avgolemono (Egg-Lemon Mixture):
- In a medium bowl, whisk the 3 eggs together until frothy.
- Gradually add the 6 tablespoons of lemon juice to the eggs while continuing to whisk.
7. Temper the Egg-Lemon Mixture:
- To prevent the eggs from curdling, you need to gradually warm them up. Slowly add a ladle of hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture while constantly whisking.
- Add 2-3 more ladles of hot broth in the same manner, ensuring the mixture is well combined and warmed.
8. Combine the Soup:
- Slowly pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot of soup while stirring continuously.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Heat the soup gently over low heat for a few more minutes, being careful not to let it boil (to prevent the eggs from curdling).
9. Season and Serve:
- Season the soup with a dash of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle the hot Greek chicken soup into bowls.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor and color.
10. Enjoy:
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting, tangy flavor of this traditional Greek Avgolemono soup!
Tips:
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding with the rest of the recipe to ensure safety and flavor.
- When adding the egg and lemon mixture back into the soup, do so slowly and constantly stir to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- For a more velvety texture, you can strain the egg and lemon mixture before whisking it into the broth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end to suit your preference—add more lemon juice for extra tang or more salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
Greek chicken soup is a delightful and nourishing dish that combines the tanginess of lemon, the richness of eggs, and the heartiness of chicken and rice. It's a perfect blend of flavors that will surely leave you satisfied and warmed. Enjoy your homemade Avgolemono with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side of crusty bread for an authentic Greek experience.