Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

Sometimes, you just need a big comforting bowl of chicken soup to warm you up. Avgolemono is an authentic Greek lemon chicken soup that is perfect for those days. Enriched with broccoli rice instead of regular rice, we’re cutting down on carbs and boosting the flavor at the same time with a splash of green! I like mine thick like a stew, but feel free to adjust the liquids (broth and/or water) to achieve your desired consistency.

Table of Contents

• Easy Keto Avgolemono Soup
• Why You'll Love Avgolemono
• Lemon Chicken Soup Ingredients
• How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
• Tips & Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Storage Instructions
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews

Easy Keto Avgolemono Soup

There is something so comforting about a warm bowl of chicken soup on a cool day, but did you know that chicken soup can also be delicious and healthy? This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a perfect example! It's one of my favorite low carb soup recipes, along with broccoli cheddar soup, tomato cabbage soup, and egg drop soup.

Traditionally called Avgolemono (ah-vgo-le-mono), it is a rich Greek soup packed with protein, veggies, and delicious Mediterranean flavors. This soup is sure to comfort and nourish you. Plus, it's low in carbs and high in fat, making it perfect for your keto diet.

Why You'll Love Avgolemono

Soup is not just a meal; it's a comfort food that warms your body and soul, and this keto lemon chicken soup is no exception. It's easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for those looking for a low-carb option without compromising on flavor.

Enriched with broccoli rice, you'll get a splash of green in every bite. Besides, this recipe has all the nutrients you need for a healthy and balanced diet.

This keto lemon chicken soup is ideal for those who are looking to cut down on carbs but still enjoy a hearty meal. The substitution of regular rice with broccoli rice not only reduces the carb content but also adds more flavor and texture to the dish. Plus, the recipe incorporates a considerable amount of vitamin C, which helps to boost your immune system, especially during flu season.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's effortless to prepare. All you need is 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time to enjoy this delicious keto Greek lemon chicken soup. It's perfect for those busy days when you don't have much time to spend in the kitchen.

The addition of lemon juice and zest in this recipe adds a tangy kick to the broth that pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken and the hearty broccoli rice. Plus, Greek herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil give this recipe a Mediterranean twist that will make you feel like you're on a flavorful trip to Greece.

This recipe is not only delicious but also low in calories and high in nutrients. Each serving consists of 410 calories, 32 grams of fat, 7.6 grams of net carbs, and more than half of the vitamin C you need in a day. Plus, it's an excellent source of other essential nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, b2, b6, folic acid, b12, vitamin K, vitamin E, etc.

Lemon Chicken Soup Ingredients

Let’s break down some of the amazing ingredients that make this Keto Greek Lemon Chicken Soup magically delicious.

• Chicken: boneless, skinless, and chopped chicken breasts - this lean protein is low in calories and high in nutritional value to maintain your muscle health.
• Broccoli: The broccoli florets are a superfood, and when it’s included in the recipe, they add a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that balances the sourness of the lemon juice. Broccoli is also known to help lower blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese, which is moderately high in protein, has a slightly nutty flavor that adds richness to the soup. But remember, moderation is key when adding cheese to keto diets.
• Onion and garlic: The other flavorful ingredients, onion, garlic, and seasonings such as black pepper and salt, are easy-to-find, nourishing additions that enhance the soup's taste and nutritional value.
• Lemon: But let’s not forget the star of the show, the lemon! The juice adds a tangy and fresh flavor to the soup. Additionally, lemon contains vitamin C, which promotes a healthy immune system and supports skin health.
• Egg: Finally, the eggs are used for the yolk only, which provides essential fats and nutrients, such as choline, for brain health.

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step One: Grate the Broccoli: Grate the broccoli with a cheese grater to make broccoli rice. Set aside.

Step Two: Chop and Dice Other Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Dice the chicken.

Step Three: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the chicken with the onions for 5 minutes, then add the broccoli rice and minced garlic and cook for another minute to combine the flavors. Gradually add the broth to deglaze the saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes, adding broth or water as needed to reach your desired thickness.

Step Four: Add Seasonings: Season to taste with salt and pepper. Be mindful of the salt, as the broth might be salty enough on its own.

Step Five: Combine and Serve: Whisk the egg yolks with the lemon juice. Remove the soup from the heat, and while still hot, stir in the egg yolk mixture, whisking gently to incorporate into the soup. Serve hot, topped with crumbled feta cheese.

Tips & Variations

Now, let's dive into some tips and variations to make this soup even more exciting.

Use Fresh Lemons: This soup is all about the tangy and zesty flavors of lemons. So, it's a good idea to use fresh lemons instead of lemon juice from a bottle. Squeeze them into your soup and add a bit of lemon zest for an extra punch of flavor. Fresh lemons will give your soup a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice ever could.

Thicken Your Soup: One of the best things about this soup is how thick and creamy it is. To achieve this consistency, you should add some heavy cream or coconut cream. It will give the soup a richer taste and texture, making you feel like you're indulging in something naughty when it's actually healthy. Keep in mind that you can vary the amount of cream you add to change the thickness and creaminess of the soup; it's up to you!

Add Some Veggies: To add a bit of variety to this chicken soup, you can throw in some chopped veggies like spinach, zucchini, or kale. Not only will this make the soup more nutritious and delicious, but it'll also add a colorful pop to it. Plus, it's an excellent way to clean out your fridge's contents and use what you already have.

Switch Up the Protein: If you're not in the mood for chicken, you can switch it up with another protein source. Adding shrimp, ground turkey, or fish can be a fantastic way to experiment with flavors without losing the soup's integrity. However, keep in mind that some proteins cook differently than chicken, so you may need to adjust your cooking expectations accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Instructions

To store: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep for up to 3 days. Place Greek lemon chicken soup in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat to reheat it. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Make sure you don't bring the soup to a boil, as the egg yolks will curdle.

To freeze: You can also freeze Avgolemono in a freezer-proof container. It will keep for up to 3 months, and you will need to thaw it before reheating.

📖 Recipe