The chicken lemon rice soup is a wonderful dish. It’s like a warm hug from the famed Greek diners in Detroit. Known as Avgolemono, it combines fresh ingredients with simple flavors. This comforting soup is loved by many. I’ll guide you on making it at home.

This Greek-inspired dish is a must-try. It’s often found in Coney Island restaurants in Detroit. I adored this lemony, creamy soup growing up. Now, I make it myself when I miss it. The best part? You likely have the ingredients at home already, making cooking it surprisingly easy.

Key Takeaways

• Chicken lemon rice soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a classic Greek-inspired dish.
• The writer grew up ordering this comforting soup at Coney Island restaurants in Detroit.
• This recipe uses simple, on-hand ingredients to make a homemade version of the beloved soup.
• The soup features a flavorful homemade chicken broth as its foundation.
• Tempering the eggs and lemon juice is the key to achieving the soup’s creamy, velvety texture.

Introduction to Chicken Lemon Rice Soup

Chicken lemon rice soup, or Avgolemono soup, comes from Greece. It’s a lemony soup that’s creamy and full of flavor. This Greek-inspired soup is both simple and comforting.

What is Chicken Lemon Rice Soup?

Also known as Avgolemono, it’s a classic in Greek cuisine. This dish mixes chicken broth, rice, and a rich lemon-egg blend. The soup’s taste is vibrant and the texture is smooth.

Origins of the Dish

The writer isn’t Greek but loves a special kind of Greek eatery in Detroit, known as the Coney Island. Here, they often enjoy this soup. Making it at home was easy, since the needed ingredients are usually in the kitchen.

The Secret to Flavorful Homemade Broth

Making your own chicken broth is vital for tasty soups. The secret is to use kitchen scraps wisely. This includes the outer parts and ends of veggies like onions, carrots, and celery.

Using Vegetable Scraps for Broth

Adding these scraps, along with chicken and herbs, to a pot of water is great. You get more flavor and nutrition, saving waste. This method forms a great base for your soup, which is both delicious and eco-friendly.

Simmering the Chicken and Aromatics

Start by adding chicken and the veggie scraps to a pot. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, cooking the chicken perfectly. This slow cooking makes for tender, flavorful chicken.

Straining the Broth

After the chicken is done, shred it into pieces. Then, strain the broth to remove the veggie scraps. What you have now is a rich broth filled with natural chicken and veggie flavors.

Preparing the Chicken Lemon Rice Soup

To start, sauté aromatic veggies in a large pot. Heat olive oil and add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and dried herbs. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 5-7 minutes.

Adding the Rice and Broth

Next, combine vegetables with shredded chicken, broth, and rice. Let the mix simmer. Stirring occasionally, wait until the rice is soft, roughly 20-25 minutes.

Tempering the Eggs and Lemon Juice

Now, for the creamy texture, it’s time to temper eggs and lemon juice. Whisk eggs with lemon juice in a bowl. Then, slowly mix in some hot broth while whisking. After, mix it all back into the soup gently. This step makes the soup smooth without scrambling the eggs and enhances both taste and texture.

How do you make chicken lemon rice soup?

Ingredient List

To make this yummy soup, you need these ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup short-grain or arborio rice
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your chicken lemon rice soup:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add garlic and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until it smells great.
3. Pour in chicken broth, bay leaves, and chicken. Boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Now, add the rice and keep simmering for 15-20 more minutes, until the rice is soft.
5. In a bowl, mix lemon juice and eggs. Add a ladle of hot soup slowly to the mix, stirring all the time. This tempers the eggs.
6. Put the egg-lemon mix back in the pot. Cook and stir gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve in bowls with parsley on top.

Variations and Substitutions

The classic recipe for chicken lemon rice soup uses short-grain or arborio rice. But you can choose other types of rice to match your diet and taste. For instance, you might go for long-grain or brown rice. However, brown rice will need about 25 extra minutes to cook.

Grain-Free and Low-Carb Options

Looking for a no-grain or low-carb twist on this soup? You can try using ingredients like chopped potatoes, riced cauliflower, or zucchini instead of rice. These will lower the carb content but keep the soup yummy and satisfying.

Herb and Seasoning Substitutions

The usual spices in this soup are thyme and bay leaves. Yet, feel free to try different herbs and spices. For a change, you could use rosemary, oregano, or a bit of smoked paprika. Mixing in these different flavors will add a special touch to the soup.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This chicken lemon rice soup is perfect for preparing in advance. After it’s cool, put it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you warm it up again, adding a bit of water or broth might help. This keeps the rice from getting dry.

Conclusion

This chicken lemon rice soup is inspired by the Greek Avgolemono soup. It’s perfect for cold days or when you’re not feeling well. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this soup will become a family favorite. Simply follow the recipe and tips for a soul-warming dish.

Tasting this soup is like getting a hug. It mixes chicken, lemon, and eggs for a hearty meal. It’s great for chilly days or soothing a sore throat. This dish is full of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. It feeds your body and soul.

So, why not try making this soup at home? The recipe is clear and uses common ingredients. You’ll soon enjoy the smells of this Greek-inspired dish in your kitchen. Take your soup skills up a notch and delight in the taste of chicken lemon rice soup today!

Source Links

• https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/chicken-lemon-rice-soup/
• https://www.simplyscratch.com/creamy-chicken-lemon-rice-soup/
• https://momtomomnutrition.com/food-and-recipes/chicken-lemon-rice-soup/