Ingredients
Preparing the Lemon Chicken Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (halal-certified)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (breast or thigh meat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Adding the Orzo and Avgolemono Sauce
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the broth simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Prepare the Avgolemono Sauce
While the orzo is cooking, whisk the eggs and lemon juice together in a medium bowl until smooth. Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
Step 5: Combine the Avgolemono Sauce with the Soup
Gradually pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously. The soup will thicken slightly and take on a creamy texture. Be careful not to let the soup boil at this stage to avoid curdling.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Serve
Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the bright, comforting flavors of this Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g