| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 12g | 6g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 25g | 1.1g |
Being a Southern belle, I’ve always had a penchant for comfort food. So, when I first tasted Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, I fell in love. This zesty and refreshing soup took me out of my lowcountry comfort zone but still allowed me to provide the homecooked warmth and comfort that I adore. You see, this isn’t just about a recipe; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table, stories shared, and bonds formed.
Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist
The thing about Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is that it’s not just comforting – it’s also incredibly healthy. The healing properties of a good chicken soup are legendary, but the added twist of the lemon juice and fresh dill into the mix amplifies the overall health benefits. The lemon renders a boost of Vitamin C to your system, aiding in immunity, and dill is loaded with antioxidants. Did you also know garlic is super beneficial for heart health? This recipe is not just about pleasing your taste buds, but maintaining your health too.
A Touch of the Mediterranean
While it doesn’t come with the Southern flavors I’ve grown up with, this soup fills up my kitchen with the scent of the Mediterranean. It’s quite like the Avgolemono Soup, a traditional Greek soup with chicken, lemon, and eggs. Pair this soup with a Greek salad or some pita bread, and you’ve got yourself a delightful lunch. The crumbled feta cheese on top just adds to the whole Mediterranean vibe. You can check out a perfect Greek salad recipe here.
The Love for Cooking
But what really makes me love the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup recipe is the process. The sauteing of the aromatics in olive oil, the simmering of the chicken, the zesting of the lemon – it’s these little things that create meaningful moments in the kitchen. So, whether you are a surfer like me who needs a quick meal after riding the waves or someone who just loves food that soothes the soul, give this recipe a spin. It’s more than just a bowl of soup – it’s an experience, a journey of flavors.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots and celery into the pot. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step Two
Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This should take roughly 5-7 minutes. To ensure it’s cooked completely, check if there’s no pink left in the center of the chicken pieces.
Step Three
Stir in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about twenty minutes.
Step Four
Add the orzo pasta to the pot and cook until tender, approximately 10 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, whisk the eggs and lemon juice together in a separate bowl.
Step Five
Once the pasta is cooked, gradually add a few ladles of the hot soup into the egg-lemon mixture, stirring constantly. This step is known as tempering, allowing the egg mixture to come to a closer temperature match with the soup to avoid curdling.
Step Six
Slowly stir the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the soup pot. Add the chopped fresh dill and crumbled feta cheese. Stir well to mix and heat the soup for another few minutes until everything is warm.
Step Seven
Serve the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup hot, garnished with a slice of lemon.
