Description
This Greek chicken and rice soup is silky smooth, thanks to the avgolemono sauce—a blend of eggs, lemon juice, and hot broth that creates a rich and creamy texture without dairy. Packed with protein and vitamin C, this healthy homemade soup is perfect for a cozy meal or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee/olive oil)
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth, divided
- 1 cup long grain white rice (or another variety, see notes)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (such as rotisserie)
- 5 eggs
- 3/4 cup lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons, adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add celery and onions and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth (reserving the other 2 cups) and add ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in rice, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is fully cooked.
- Add the cooked chicken, cover, and simmer on low for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- While the chicken heats, prepare the avgolemono sauce:
- In a blender, combine the eggs and lemon juice.
- Heat the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth until boiling.
- With the blender running, gradually pour in the hot broth until fully combined and foamy.
- Turn off the soup’s heat. Slowly stir the avgolemono sauce into the soup to create a creamy consistency.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter until melted. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Rice Alternatives: Brown rice, orzo, or short-grain rice can be used; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling.
- Lemon Flavor: Adjust lemon juice to taste for a tangier or milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 282
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 185mg