Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the chill of winter creeps in, I find myself reaching for one comforting classic: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Its velvety texture and tangy brightness are like a warm embrace on a cold day, lifting both spirit and body. This delightful one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon, making it not just a meal, but an experience to savor. With quick preparation and the charm of Mediterranean flavors, this soup becomes the perfect antidote for those nights when you just crave something wholesome and nourishing. Plus, the ease of cleanup means you can focus on what really matters—enjoying each comforting spoonful with loved ones. Ready to transform your dinner routine with this delightful dish? Why is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup a must-try? Comforting warmth: This soup envelops you in a cozy embrace, making it perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. Quick prep: In just one pot, you can whip up a delicious meal without all the fuss, leaving more time for what you love. Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein-rich chicken and vibrant veggies, it’s not only satisfying but also nutritious. Zesty brightness: The fresh lemon juice adds a tangy twist that elevates the entire dish, delighting your taste buds. Whether you pair it with a side salad, like in my Chicken Broccoli Sizzling recipe, or some crusty bread, this soup becomes a family favorite in no time! Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Ingredients • The essential components for creating this delightful dish. For the Soup Base Chicken Broth – This is the heart of the soup, adding a rich flavor; opt for low-sodium versions to control your salt intake. Fresh Lemon Juice – It brings a bright acidity to the soup; you can substitute with lime juice if you want a different citrus zing. Chopped Onion – Adds a sweet base flavor; shallots work well for a more delicate taste. Chopped Celery – Provides a refreshing crunch; fennel can be a lovely alternative if desired. Shredded Carrots – Imparts natural sweetness and color; diced bell peppers can be a vibrant swap. Chicken Soup Base – Enhances the overall chicken flavor; a bouillon cube can be an effective substitute if needed. For Thickening the Soup All-Purpose Flour – Acts as the thickening agent for a velvety texture; consider using cornstarch or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Margarine – Helps to achieve that creamy consistency; butter or olive oil can be used for richer flavors. For the Creamy Texture Egg Yolks – Create a luscious, creamy mouthfeel; whole eggs can be a last-minute substitute but will alter the consistency. For the Heartiness Cooked White Rice – Adds substance and fullness; quinoa or cauliflower rice can be great low-carb alternatives. Diced Cooked Chicken – Provides protein and body to the soup; use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut. For Garnish Lemon Slices – Brighten up your bowl visually; fresh dill is another lovely option for an aromatic finish. Feel free to embrace your creativity here, and let the flavors of this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup warm your kitchen and your heart! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Step 1: Prepare the Broth In a large pot, combine chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, shredded carrots, chopped onion, chopped celery, chicken soup base, and ground white pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the temperature and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are tender and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma. Step 2: Thickening Agent Next, in a small bowl, mix margarine and all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste. Gradually stir this paste into the simmering soup, allowing it to blend well. Continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. You’re aiming for the soup to become thickened and velvety, achieving a rich consistency that will be comforting in every spoonful. Step 3: Temper Egg Yolks In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are pale and frothy. Gradually whisk in a cup of the hot soup to temper the yolks, ensuring they don’t scramble. Once mixed, pour the egg mixture back into the pot while stirring continuously. Heat the soup gently without boiling for a few minutes to create a creamy texture, enhancing the delightful qualities of the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Step 4: Mix Ingredients Add the cooked white rice and diced cooked chicken to the pot, stirring gently to combine. Let the mixture heat through for about 5 minutes, ensuring everything is warm and the flavors meld together beautifully. This step transforms your soup into a hearty dish that’s not only comforting but also packed with nutritious ingredients. Step 5: Serve Ladle the hot Greek Lemon Chicken Soup into bowls and take a moment to admire its vibrant color and creamy texture. For a lovely finishing touch, garnish each serving with a slice of lemon for an extra zing or fresh herbs like dill for added flavor. Your comforting bowl of soup is now ready to warm hearts and satisfy appetites. Make Ahead Options These delightful Greek Lemon Chicken Soup bowls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop your vegetables (onion, celery, and carrots) and store them in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, cook your chicken and rice ahead of time, allowing for simple assembly when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to whisk the egg yolks into the warm soup right before serving to maintain that luscious creamy texture—this step is crucial in preventing curdling. When ready to enjoy, simply heat the broth, stir in your prepped ingredients, and add a splash of fresh lemon juice for that vibrant flavor. You’ll have a comforting meal on the table in no time! Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup and make it your own! Each substitution or variation opens the door to new flavors and textures that can turn this comforting dish into something uniquely yours. Dairy-Free: Swap margarine with coconut oil or vegan butter to make a dairy-free version without compromising on creaminess. Low-Carb: Replace white rice with cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles for a lighter, low-carb twist that still holds all the flavors. Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the broth for a vibrant boost of flavor that brings the dish to life. Vegetable Power: Toss in some spinach or kale at the end of cooking for an extra nutritional punch that brightens up the soup’s color and flavor. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the broth before simmering to give your soup a lively zing. Citrus Variations: If you’re out of lemons, a splash of lime juice can add a different citrus twist that will still elevate your soup beautifully. Quick-Cooking Grain: Replace white rice with orzo pasta, which cooks quickly and adds a delightful texture to the soup. Shortcut Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own; it saves time and still delivers on taste. As you savor each comforting spoonful of this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, consider pairing it with a refreshing salad, like my delightful Chicken Broccoli Sizzling, or enjoy it with some crusty bread for a complete meal. Happy cooking! How to Store and Freeze Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Fridge: Store leftover Greek Lemon Chicken Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure it cools completely before refrigerating to preserve freshness. Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking. Reheating: To reheat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain its creamy texture. Separation Tip: After freezing, the soup may separate. Simply stir well while reheating to bring back the comforting consistency. Expert Tips for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Temperature Control: Ensure the temperature is gentle when adding the egg yolks to avoid scrambling. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture in your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Proper Stirring: Stir the soup gently after adding the egg mixture and remove from heat immediately to maintain its silkiness. This prevents curdling and enhances the dish’s overall richness. Ingredient Prep: Chop your vegetables uniformly for even cooking. This guarantees that every spoonful is filled with perfectly tender pieces, elevating your soup experience. Store Right: If you have leftovers, cool the soup completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and flavor, allowing you to enjoy this comforting recipe again soon. Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs are your friends! Garnish the soup with herbs like dill or parsley to add an aromatic touch and elevate the flavor profile beautifully. What to Serve with Comforting Greek Lemon Chicken Soup The perfect accompaniments can elevate your soup experience, creating a heartwarming meal that lingers in your memory. Crusty Bread: The crunchy exterior and soft interior are perfect for soaking up the creamy soup. Each bite becomes an indulgent experience! Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette adds a light, zesty contrast to the rich flavors of the soup. Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy and flavorful, these comforting potatoes provide a delightful texture that pairs beautifully with the smoothness of the soup. Mediterranean Quinoa: Nutty and fluffy quinoa infused with herbs brings a nutritious touch to the meal, complementing the Mediterranean essence of the soup. Spanakopita: These flaky pastries filled with spinach and feta offer a savory side that harmonizes delightfully with the lemony notes of the soup. Ouzo Cocktail: Anise-flavored ouzo is a traditional Greek aperitif that enhances the Mediterranean vibe, making your meal feel like a culinary getaway. Honey-Drizzled Yogurt: A sweet and creamy dessert topped with honey and nuts balances the meal’s flavors, leaving a satisfying sweetness on your palate. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection bring an earthy sweetness, creating a colorful and flavorful plate alongside your comforting soup. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser, this light dessert echoes the bright notes of lemon in the soup, leaving you feeling revitalized. Sparkling Water: A fizzy, refreshing drink not only cleanses the palate but adds elegance to your table, making you feel extra special while enjoying your meal. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup? Using diced cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, is a fantastic time-saver. It adds flavor and richness to your soup without any extra hassle. If you’re cooking your chicken from scratch, poach it in the broth for tender results. How should I store leftover Greek Lemon Chicken Soup? To store, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. It’s essential to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain its delicious flavor and creamiest texture for your next meal! Can I freeze Greek Lemon Chicken Soup? Absolutely! Freeze your soup in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stove, and don’t forget to stir well to recombine any elements that may have separated. What if my soup becomes too thick after cooking? If your soup thickens more than you’d like, simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or water while reheating until you achieve your desired consistency. Aim to do this slowly over low heat to maintain flavor and texture. Can I make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup gluten-free? Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour mix, and ensure your chicken broth and margarine are gluten-free as well. This soup is adaptable and perfect for those needing dietary considerations! How do I ensure my egg yolks don’t scramble when making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup? To prevent scrambling, you should temper the egg yolks first. Whisk the yolks in a bowl, then gradually add a cup of the hot soup, whisking continuously to slowly raise the temperature of the yolks. Once mixed, return it to the pot while stirring gently—this will create that luscious creamy texture we all love without any lumps! Comforting Greek Lemon Chicken Soup for Cozy Nights This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup combines tender chicken and fragrant herbs, offering a comforting classic that's perfect for chilly nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: GreekCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base6 cups chicken broth opt for low-sodium versions1/2 cup fresh lemon juice can substitute with lime juice1 medium chopped onion shallots work well for a more delicate taste2 stalks chopped celery fennel can be an alternative2 medium shredded carrots diced bell peppers can be a vibrant swap2 tablespoons chicken soup base a bouillon cube can substituteFor Thickening the Soup1/4 cup all-purpose flour consider using cornstarch for a gluten-free option2 tablespoons margarine butter or olive oil can be usedFor the Creamy Texture3 large egg yolks whole eggs can be a substitute but will alter consistencyFor the Heartiness1 cup cooked white rice quinoa or cauliflower rice can be great alternatives2 cups diced cooked chicken use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenienceFor Garnish4 slices lemon slices fresh dill is another option for garnish Equipment Large Pot Method Step-by-step InstructionsIn a large pot, combine chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, shredded carrots, chopped onion, chopped celery, chicken soup base, and ground white pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.In a small bowl, mix margarine and all-purpose flour to create a paste. Gradually stir into the soup and simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes.In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Whisk in a cup of hot soup, then return the mixture to the pot while stirring. Heat gently without boiling.Add cooked white rice and diced cooked chicken to the pot, stirring gently. Heat through for about 5 minutes.Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with lemon slices or fresh herbs. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg NotesEnsure the temperature is gentle when adding egg yolks to avoid scrambling. Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
