Description
This comforting Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, is a nutrient-packed Mediterranean classic designed for high-performance nutrition. By combining lean chicken breast, nutrient-dense eggs, and orzo, this soup provides 32g of high-quality protein per serving. Its bright, zesty lemon profile makes it a perfect, energizing meal for meal prepping. Enjoy the richness of a traditional silky broth without any heavy additives or prohibited ingredients, ensuring a wholesome meal that fuels muscle recovery.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
2–3 celery stalks, diced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces / 350 g)
6 cups chicken stock
3/4 cup orzo pasta
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pot, cooking for 8–10 minutes until they soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the bay leaves, chicken breasts, and chicken stock to the pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Remove chicken and bay leaves; shred the chicken using two forks.
Add orzo to the simmering broth and cook for 10 minutes until al dente.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth.
Slowly ladle about 1 cup of hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper.
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the soup pot, stirring constantly.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the fresh dill.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before whisking to prevent curdling. Tempering is crucial; do not add the eggs directly to the boiling pot without mixing with some warm broth first.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: High Protein Meals
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Greek