Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 cups chicken broth; ½ cup fresh lemon juice; ½ cup shredded carrots; ½ cup finely chopped onion; ½ cup finely chopped celery; 6 tablespoons chicken soup base; ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper; ¼ cup margarine; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 8 egg yolks; 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 cup diced cooked chicken; 16 lemon slices (for garnish)

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Introduction

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting and tangy delight, perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal. This traditional recipe combines bright lemon flavor with tender chicken and rice in a creamy, hearty broth.

A white bowl filled with chicken noodle soup sits on a wooden coaster against a white marbled background. The soup has clear golden broth with small white noodles filling most of the bowl. Two bright orange carrot slices rest near the center, topped with a small yellow lemon wedge and a sprig of fresh green dill. Shredded light brown chicken pieces are scattered around, and the soup is sprinkled with black pepper and small bits of fresh herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 cups chicken broth
½ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup finely chopped celery
6 tablespoons chicken soup base
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
¼ cup margarine
¼ cup all-purpose flour
8 egg yolks
1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup diced cooked chicken
16 lemon slices

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, shredded carrots, chopped onion, celery, chicken soup base, and ground white pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix margarine and flour until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering soup. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for 8–10 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
Step 3: Beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl until pale and creamy. Slowly add a ladle of hot soup to the yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously, and cook gently until heated through. Do not let the soup boil after adding the eggs.
Step 4: Add cooked rice and diced chicken to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each with a lemon slice. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
Replace margarine with butter for a creamier texture.
Use leftover roast chicken to add extra depth to the soup.
Add fresh dill or parsley for a bright herbal note.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling of the egg yolks. Avoid boiling when reheating to maintain the soup’s creamy texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds chunky chicken noodle soup with three layers visible: the base layer is a light golden broth with small bits of carrot and herbs floating throughout, the middle layer shows white orzo pasta noodles mixed evenly with shredded white chicken pieces, topped with a sprinkle of black pepper. On top, there are fresh green parsley sprigs placed in the middle and a bright yellow lemon slice resting on the right edge. The bowl sits on a dark wooden round board, with blurred background items including half a lemon and some bread on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup base and store it in the refrigerator for a day before adding the egg yolks, rice, and chicken. Add these ingredients just before serving to keep the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have chicken soup base?

If you don’t have chicken soup base, you can use extra chicken broth combined with a pinch of salt and a bouillon cube or some seasoning herbs to enhance the flavor.