Avgolemono Soup: Greek Healing Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Byarlo Jack

Feeling under the weather or simply craving a warm, soothing bowl of something nourishing? Greek Healing Soup, often known as Avgolemono, is a traditional Mediterranean comfort dish made with lemon, rice, and broth—gently thickened with eggs for a silky, luxurious finish. This soup is beloved for its simplicity and known for its restorative qualities, making it perfect for chilly days, recovery meals, or anytime you need a healthy reset. Light yet deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe that feeds both body and soul.

A Traditional Remedy with Mediterranean Roots

Avgolemono soup has been a staple in Greek households for generations. Its name comes from avgo (egg) and lemono (lemon), two ingredients that transform a humble broth into something bright, rich, and deeply comforting. This soup is often served when someone is sick, tired, or recovering—offering warmth, hydration, and easy-to-digest nourishment. It’s minimalist in ingredients but abundant in healing qualities and flavor.

Simple, Wholesome Ingredients

The beauty of this soup lies in its few, clean ingredients—each one chosen for comfort, nutrition, and flavor. The broth provides hydration and warmth, rice or orzo adds gentle carbs for energy, and the egg-lemon mixture brings richness and a dose of vitamin C. It’s easy to prepare and forgiving, making it a dependable go-to when you need something quick and gentle.

  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup white rice (or orzo)
  • 2 large eggs
  • Juice of 1–2 lemons (to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: shredded cooked chicken for extra protein
  • Optional garnishes: fresh dill, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is light but nourishing, offering a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and simple carbohydrates. The egg provides high-quality protein and healthy fats, while lemon delivers vitamin C and brightness. The broth helps soothe digestion and hydrate the body—perfect for when you’re feeling depleted or run down.

  • Calories: ~180
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: ~400mg (varies by broth)

Timing Breakdown

This soup is quick and easy to prepare, especially with pre-cooked broth and simple ingredients. From simmering the rice to whisking in the eggs, everything comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or a quick midday reset.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Make Greek Healing Soup (Avgolemono)

This soup relies on gentle cooking and whisking to create its signature creamy texture without any dairy. The key is tempering the eggs properly—slowly incorporating hot broth so the mixture thickens the soup without scrambling. The result is a velvety, lemony bowl of comfort that tastes like wellness in every bite.

  1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a simmer. Add the rice (or orzo) and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until smooth and frothy.
  3. Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding 1 cup of hot broth into it, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
  4. Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot of soup, stirring gently. Do not boil after adding eggs—keep it warm and silky.
  5. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add cooked chicken if using, and garnish with herbs or olive oil.

Variations & Add-Ins

This classic soup can be adapted in subtle ways to suit different needs—whether you want it heartier, spicier, or vegan-friendly. Its base is simple enough to invite creativity, while still preserving its therapeutic roots.

  • Use orzo or couscous instead of rice for a different texture
  • Add shredded rotisserie chicken for protein and depth
  • Make it vegan by using chickpea flour slurry instead of egg
  • Add spinach or kale for extra greens
  • Grate a little garlic or ginger for immune support

Serving Ideas for a Restorative Meal

Greek Healing Soup is perfect on its own, but you can round it out with light sides or pair it with a small dish to make it more filling. Whether you serve it as a main course or a first course, it brings comfort to any table.

  • Serve with warm pita or crusty sourdough
  • Pair with a cucumber or Greek salad for a refreshing contrast
  • Add a side of olives or hummus for Mediterranean flair
  • Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or lemon water for full-body comfort
  • Top with a soft-boiled egg for extra richness and protein

Storage & Reheating Tips

Avgolemono soup keeps well, but reheating requires care to preserve its smooth texture. Avoid boiling once the eggs are added, as it can cause the soup to split. Gentle reheating is the secret to enjoying this again and again.

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days
  • Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring constantly—don’t let it boil
  • Add a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much
  • Best enjoyed fresh, but still delicious the next day

Tips for Perfect Avgolemono Texture

The egg-lemon base is what sets this soup apart, and getting it just right makes all the difference. Take your time tempering, and avoid high heat after adding the eggs. These tips help create that signature creamy texture without any dairy.

  • Whisk eggs thoroughly before tempering
  • Slowly stream in hot broth to avoid scrambling
  • Never let the soup boil after adding egg mixture
  • Stir gently to maintain silkiness
  • Adjust lemon to taste—some prefer it tangier than others

Conclusion: Comfort in a Bowl, the Greek Way

Greek Healing Soup is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug from the inside out—simple, clean, and incredibly comforting. With just a few nourishing ingredients and a gentle cooking method, it delivers a warm, lemony broth that’s perfect for healing, restoring, or simply enjoying. Whether you’re under the weather or just craving something wholesome, this timeless Greek dish offers calm, balance, and flavor in every spoonful.

FAQs

Greek Healing Soup, often called Avgolemono, is a comforting, traditional Greek soup made with a base of broth, lemon juice, and egg, often including rice or orzo and sometimes chicken. It’s known for its creamy texture and bright, zesty flavor.

Yes! The warm broth, vitamin C from lemon, and light, easy-to-digest ingredients make it soothing and nourishing—perfect for colds, digestive upset, or anytime you need comfort food.

Absolutely. You can substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth. To mimic the creaminess of egg, blend a bit of tahini or cashew cream with lemon juice.

To keep the soup smooth, slowly whisk hot broth into the beaten egg and lemon mixture to temper it, then gently stir it back into the pot off the heat.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop—avoid boiling, especially if the soup contains egg.

Freezing is not recommended if it contains egg, as the texture may separate. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the egg-lemon mixture and stir it in after reheating.