Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
2–3 celery stalks, diced
2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken stock or broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 350 g total) or 2 cooked boneless chicken breasts
¾ cup (175 g) orzo pasta (can substitute rice or gluten-free pasta)
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons), freshly squeezed
2 egg yolks (room temperature) or 2 large eggs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
A handful of fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or oregano for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add chicken breasts and chicken stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (or 45 minutes to 1 hour if using bone-in chicken thighs).
3. Remove chicken breasts, set aside to cool, and add orzo to the pot. Cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Shred cooled chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
5. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks (or whole eggs) and lemon juice. Temper eggs by slowly adding 1-2 scoops of hot broth while whisking; gradually stir back into the pot.
6. Cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring frequently but avoid boiling.
7. Add fresh herbs, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately, with optional herbs or olive oil drizzle.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍋 Tip: Temper the egg-lemon mixture carefully to prevent scrambling and achieve a smooth broth.
🧂 Tip: Add butter while sautéing vegetables for a richer flavor.
🌿 Tip: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the soup’s authentic taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Cooking Time: 30-65 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 377
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 679mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 154mg