Classic Avgolemono Soup with Orzo

Classic Avgolemono Soup with Orzo

Classic DishAvgolemono Soup

Prep: 15 min • Cook: 20 min. Traditional lemon-egg soup simmered with tender chicken and comforting orzo, finished with a silky, citrusy avgolemono emulsion for a bright, creamy Greek-style bowl.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
20 min
Total time
35 min
Servings
6

Instructions

Prepare

  1. 1Whisk eggs and lemon juice together in a medium bowl until smooth and slightly frothy; set aside.
  2. 2If not already cooked, poach or roast chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 3Measure out orzo and have vegetables chopped and ready.

Cook

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add onion, carrot, and celery and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
  2. 2Add chicken broth and bay leaf, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  3. 3Stir in orzo and simmer until al dente, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. 4Remove and discard the bay leaf, then season the broth with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.

Finish

  1. 1Temper the egg-lemon mixture by slowly ladling about 1 cup of hot broth into the eggs while whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
  2. 2Return the tempered mixture to the pot off the heat and stir gently until the soup thickens slightly and becomes silky; do not boil after adding the eggs.
  3. 3Stir in the shredded chicken to warm through for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. 4Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories
321 kcal
Protein
20 g
Fat
12 g
Carbs
35 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories321 kcal
Protein20 g
Fat12 g
Carbs35 g

Tips

  • Bring eggs to room temperature before mixing to help prevent the sauce from seizing when tempered.
  • Temper slowly and stir constantly; never return the pot to a rolling boil after adding the egg-lemon emulsion.
  • Serve immediately in warm bowls to keep the soup silky; reheat gently without boiling if needed.

By Chef Michael Ilin