Easy Avgolemono Soup Recipe

Transport yourself to the sunny coasts of Greece with this Easy Avgolemono Soup—a comforting lemony chicken and rice soup that’s cozy, creamy, and surprisingly easy to make. Every spoonful bursts with zingy citrus and silky texture, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a soothing bowl when you’re under the weather.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about Easy Avgolemono Soup is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such deep and comforting flavors. Each element really plays its part, from the bright lemon to the tender chicken—here’s what makes this dish shine!

• Chicken broth: Builds a savory, comforting foundation—choose a good quality for best results.
• Bone broth: Adds extra richness, body, and nutrients, making the soup feel extra soulful.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Infuses every bite with vibrant citrus aroma for irresistible flavor.
• Juice of 2 lemons: Essential for that trademark bright tangy taste—don’t skimp!
• Bay leaves: Lend subtle herbal notes that make the broth taste like it’s been simmering all day.
• Salt & black pepper: Crucial for seasoning—you can adjust these to taste.
• Large eggs: The magic behind the signature creamy texture, naturally thickening the soup.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken: Easy and convenient, this keeps the recipe stress-free while adding plenty of protein.
• Cooked basmati rice: Light and fluffy, it soaks up all that lemony, savory goodness.
• Fresh dill: That little finishing touch that brightens and ties it all together!

Variations

One of my favorite things about Easy Avgolemono Soup is how customizable it is—you can adapt it for what you have on hand, or to suit any taste or dietary preference. Here are some fun and tasty ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Avgolemono: Swap the chicken broth and rotisserie chicken for veggie broth and cooked chickpeas for a cozy meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice in place of basmati rice if you’re watching carbs but still crave that comforting texture.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in a handful of baby spinach, finely chopped carrots, or peas for extra color, nutrition, and flavor.
• Herb Switch-Up: No dill? Try fresh parsley or mint for a slightly different but equally vibrant finish.

How to Make Easy Avgolemono Soup

Step 1: Start the Lemon-Scented Broth

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine your chicken broth, bone broth, lemon zest, juice from one lemon, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Let these simple ingredients gently simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes—they’ll transform into a beautifully aromatic, lemony base that sets the stage for the whole soup.

Step 2: Whisk and Temper the Eggs

Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them until smooth and light. Slowly add the juice from your remaining lemon, whisking continuously. Now comes the key technique: gradually ladle in some of the hot broth to the eggs—one scoop at a time, whisking nonstop—to gently warm them up without scrambling. Repeat this tempering process a couple more times to get gorgeously creamy, lump-free results.

Step 3: Finish the Soup

With your egg mixture now tempered, slowly pour it back into the pot while continually whisking. Keep the heat gentle—don’t let it boil or the eggs could curdle. Once the soup is velvety and heated through, remove from heat. Stir in your shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked basmati rice, letting everything mingle together until perfectly warmed.

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy

Ladle the Easy Avgolemono Soup into bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh dill, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a crack of black pepper. Serve it steaming hot, and watch the smiles appear!

How to Serve Easy Avgolemono Soup

Garnishes

Top each steaming bowl of Easy Avgolemono Soup with plenty of freshly chopped dill, a drizzle of rich extra-virgin olive oil, and a twist of black pepper. You can also add a few thin slices of lemon or even a dash of chili flakes for a little heat—these simple finishing touches make every spoonful pop!

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm pita—perfect for soaking up that lemony broth. I also love serving it with a simple Greek salad or a platter of assorted olives and feta for a Mediterranean-style spread that feels extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Easy Avgolemono Soup in wide bowls garnished with a sprig of dill and delicate lemon zest curls for an elegant dinner party look. For a family meal, let everyone add their own garnishes from little side dishes—kids (and adults!) love customizing their bowls. Or transfer the soup into a thermos for a comforting weekday lunch at work or school.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Easy Avgolemono Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight—you’ll look forward to those second-day leftovers!

Freezing

Egg-thickened soups like this one can separate when frozen, but if you want to freeze, do so before adding the egg mixture, chicken, or rice. Defrost and reheat gently, then complete the recipe with those ingredients for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat Easy Avgolemono Soup over low heat, stirring constantly and never letting it come to a full boil. If the soup thickens in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water to return it to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with the vibrant, nurturing flavors of Easy Avgolemono Soup as much as my family has! It’s the kind of soul-satisfying meal that brings a little Greek sunshine to your kitchen—no matter the season. Grab your spoons and get ready to savor pure comfort!

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