How Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Warms Your Soul in Minutes

Feeling under the weather with no energy to cook a proper meal? Or perhaps you’re simply craving a bowl of something warm, comforting, yet refreshingly light? Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) is the answer you’ve been searching for in your collection of simple chicken soup recipes.

Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook. During my college years, when seasonal colds would sweep through campus, my Greek roommate would whip up this lemony soup that worked magic on our tired bodies. What amazed me was how quickly she transformed basic ingredients into the most healing, comforting meal. Now, whenever my family feels the first hint of a sniffle, this soup recipe for sick days becomes my immediate go-to.

In this guide, I’ll share how to create this bright, velvety Greek Lemon Chicken Soup that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect ways to use leftover soup ideas, and why this might become your new favorite among non-creamy soup recipes. I’ll cover the perfect ingredients, simple techniques, and how to customize it for your taste preferences.

Why This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, everyday ingredients you likely already have
• Takes just 25 minutes from pot to table – perfect for busy weeknights
• Works brilliantly as a chicken breast recipe soup to use up leftovers
• Provides immune-boosting properties – truly one of the best soup options when feeling unwell
• Offers a refreshing alternative to heavy, cream-based non creamy soup recipes
• Can be made ahead and reheated for easy sick meals

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Best Protein Options for This Recipe

For authentic Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. They cook quickly and shred beautifully, making this a standout among chicken breast recipes soup enthusiasts. The lean protein provides substance without heaviness.

If you have rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken, this soup becomes an even speedier affair and one of the most practical leftover soup ideas in your repertoire.

Buying Tips

When shopping for this simple chicken soup recipe, look for:

• Fresh lemons – organic if possible, as you’ll be using both juice and zest
• Low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels
• Fresh dill and parsley for authentic Greek flavor
• Quality eggs for the silky, lemony finish

Substitutions

No chicken breast? Use thighs or even turkey.
Vegan variation? Replace chicken with white beans and use vegetable broth.

Need to explore more soups? Check out my Creamy Potato Kale Soup for another comforting option!

Ingredients & Prep for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Soup Base Essentials

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

Avgolemono (Egg-Lemon Mixture)

• 3 large eggs
• Juice of 2-3 lemons (about 1/3 cup)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Finishing Touches

• 3/4 cup orzo or rice
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Instructions

Pre-Cooking Chicken Soup Prep

1. Dice onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces
2. If using raw chicken breast, trim any excess fat
3. Zest and juice your lemons, keeping them separate
4. Measure out your orzo or rice

If you enjoy hearty soups, you might also love my Traditional Beef Stew recipe!

Cooking Method for Greek Lemon Soup

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until soft (about 5 minutes)
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds)
4. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf
5. Add chicken breasts and bring to a simmer
6. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F (about 15-20 minutes)
7. Remove chicken and shred with two forks
8. Add orzo or rice to the broth and cook until tender (8-10 minutes for orzo, 15-20 for rice)
9. Return shredded chicken to the pot

Creating the Avgolemono Mixture for Chicken Soup

1. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs until frothy
2. Slowly whisk in lemon juice
3. Temper the mixture by gradually adding 1 cup of hot broth while whisking constantly
4. Slowly pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the soup, stirring constantly
5. Heat on low for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened (do not boil!)

Finishing Your Lemony Soup

1. Remove from heat and discard bay leaf
2. Stir in fresh dill, parsley, and lemon zest
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste
4. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving

Pro Tips for Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Avoiding Curdled Soup

• Never add the egg-lemon mixture to boiling soup – always reduce to low heat first
• Properly temper your eggs by adding hot broth slowly while whisking
• Don’t skip the resting time, as it helps the flavors meld and the texture stabilize

Tool Recommendations for the Best Soup Results

• Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution
• A microplane grater makes getting lemon zest effortless
• Silicone whisk won’t scratch your cookware when tempering eggs

Storage & Reheating of Chicken Breast Soup

• Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat – never boil!
• Add a splash of fresh lemon juice when reheating to brighten flavors

Looking for more soup inspiration? For something completely different, try my Roasted Vegan Tomato and Cauliflower Bisque!

For more delicious recipes like this, check out my collection on Pinterest where I share weekly inspiration for every meal occasion.

Flavor Variations for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Herbal Enhancements

• Mediterranean Twist: Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes
• Garden Fresh: Increase fresh herbs with 1/4 cup each of dill, parsley, and mint
• Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic and add a dash of garlic powder for depth

Texture Modifications

• Heartier Version: Add 1 cup diced potatoes with the vegetables
• Extra Green: Stir in 2 cups baby spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes
• Grain-Free: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice or extra vegetables

Regional Adaptations

Serving Suggestions for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Perfect on its own as one of the best easy sick meals, this soup also pairs beautifully with:

• Warm pita bread or crusty sourdough for dipping
• A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta
• Toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic
• For a complete meal, serve with stuffed grape leaves (dolmades)

For the perfect fall soup option, you might also enjoy my Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup!

FAQs About Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup makes wonderful leftover soup ideas come to life. Make it a day ahead, but add an extra splash of lemon juice when reheating to refresh the flavors.

Why did my egg-lemon mixture curdle?

The most common cause is adding the mixture to soup that’s too hot or boiling after adding it. Always temper properly and keep the heat low after adding.

Can I freeze this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

While technically possible, the texture of the egg-lemon mixture may change when thawed. If freezing, do so before adding the avgolemono mixture, then add fresh when reheating.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Only if you use rice instead of orzo pasta or substitute with a gluten-free pasta option.

What makes this one of the best soup recipes for sick days?

The combination of protein, hydrating broth, vitamin C from lemons, and anti-inflammatory properties from garlic and herbs makes this an ideal soup recipe sick people can enjoy for recovery.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is more than just a meal – it’s comfort in a bowl that takes minutes to prepare. Its bright, lemony flavor and silky texture make it stand out among non creamy soup recipes while still delivering the comfort you crave.

What began as a simple chicken breast recipe soup shared by my college roommate has become one of the most requested meals in my home, especially during cold and flu season when we need easy sick meals that actually taste amazing.

I’d love to hear how this recipe works for you! Join thousands of home cooks who have added this to their collection of best soup recipes ever homemade. Drop a comment below or tag @BikenCook in your soup creations online!

Remember, the next time you’re feeling under the weather or just need a bowl of sunshine, this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is waiting to warm your soul in minutes.