– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup uncooked orzo (or rice)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Follow these steps to create your delicious Greek Lemon Chicken Soup:
1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
2. Add Veggies: Stir in the diced carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, add the orzo to the broth and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
5. Remove Chicken: Carefully take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
6. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. This will give the soup its rich and creamy texture.
7. Tempering the Eggs: Slowly add a ladle of the hot soup broth into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
8. Combine Everything: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously to incorporate it throughout the soup.
9. Add Chicken: Finally, return the shredded chicken to the pot, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for a few more minutes.
10. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
These simple steps will guide you in creating this wonderful soup effortlessly!