Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo & Dill

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo & Dill

Mia

This soul-warming Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, known as Avgolemono with orzo, is a Mediterranean classic that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The magic lies in the velvety egg-lemon liaison that gives the broth its signature silky texture and bright, tangy flavor. Unlike heavy cream-based soups, this lighter version relies on the ancient Greek technique of tempering eggs with hot broth to create a luxuriously smooth consistency without any dairy.

Tender shredded chicken breast provides lean protein while orzo pasta adds satisfying body to every spoonful. Fresh dill, a beloved herb in Greek cuisine, brings an aromatic brightness that perfectly complements the lemony notes. The soup is both nourishing and restorative—the kind of dish Greek grandmothers have been making for generations to comfort loved ones.

This one-pot wonder exemplifies the Mediterranean Diet's emphasis on wholesome, minimally processed ingredients prepared simply to let their natural flavors shine. The combination of protein-rich chicken, whole grain orzo, and vitamin C-packed lemon creates a balanced meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something both comforting and healthy.

Nutrition

50 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 9.00g
Carbs 22.00g
Protein 28.00g

Ingredients

1.5 lbsboneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 cupslow-sodium chicken broth
1 mediumyellow onion, diced
2 mediumcarrots, peeled and diced
2 Nonecelery stalks, diced
4 clovesgarlic, minced
2 tbspextra virgin olive oil
1 tspdried oregano
2 Nonebay leaves
3/4 cuporzo pasta
3 Nonelarge eggs
1/3 cupfresh lemon juice, from about 2-3 lemons
1/4 cupfresh dill, chopped
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 tsplemon zest, from 1 lemon (optional)
fresh dill sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
wooden spoon or spatula
ladle
chef's knife
medium mixing bowl
meat thermometer
measuring cups and spoons
citrus juicer
large pot or Dutch oven (6-8 quart capacity)
microplane or zester

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense soup is excellent for the 16:8 eating window, providing sustained energy from lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables that help maintain satiety between meals. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients support meeting daily nutritional needs within the compressed 8-hour timeframe while avoiding processed foods and excessive sugars.

80/20 Diet

This soup exemplifies the 80/20 Diet with over 80% of its ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods: lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, whole grain orzo, eggs, and fresh herbs. The minimal olive oil and small amount of pasta represent the flexible 20%, creating a balanced, anti-inflammatory meal that's both nutritious and satisfying.

Clean Eating

This soup is a perfect clean eating recipe, using only whole, minimally processed ingredients in their natural state: fresh chicken breast, vegetables, whole grain orzo, fresh herbs, and real eggs and lemon. The recipe avoids all artificial ingredients, preservatives, refined sugars, and processed foods, relying on simple cooking methods that let the natural flavors shine.

DASH Diet

This soup perfectly aligns with DASH Diet principles by using low-sodium chicken broth, emphasizing vegetables (carrots, celery, onions), lean protein from skinless chicken breast, and whole grain orzo. The recipe relies on fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon for flavor instead of salt, while providing potassium and fiber from vegetables—all key components for supporting cardiovascular health and blood pressure management.

Diabetic Diet

This soup is diabetic-friendly with its balanced combination of lean protein, controlled portions of whole grain orzo (a low-to-moderate glycemic carbohydrate), and fiber-rich vegetables that help stabilize blood sugar levels. The recipe avoids added sugars and refined carbohydrates while providing sustained energy and complete nutrition in a satisfying one-pot meal.

Flexitarian Diet

This soup fits the Flexitarian approach with its foundation of plant-based ingredients (vegetables, whole grain orzo, herbs) while using lean chicken breast as a supporting protein that could easily be reduced, omitted, or replaced with plant-based alternatives like chickpeas or lentils to create a more plant-forward version.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe can be made gluten-free by simply substituting the orzo pasta with gluten-free orzo, rice, or quinoa while keeping all other traditional Greek ingredients intact. All other components—chicken, vegetables, eggs, lemon, and herbs—are naturally gluten-free.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This soup is exceptionally heart-healthy, featuring lean skinless chicken breast, low-sodium broth, heart-protective olive oil, and abundant vegetables rich in fiber and antioxidants. The recipe avoids saturated fats, uses minimal sodium, and incorporates anti-inflammatory ingredients like garlic and lemon that support cardiovascular health.

High-Protein Diet

With 1.5 pounds of lean chicken breast as the star ingredient, this soup delivers substantial protein per serving (approximately 25-30g depending on portion size) while limiting refined carbohydrates and emphasizing whole food ingredients. The combination of protein-rich chicken with moderate whole grain orzo creates a satisfying, muscle-supporting meal.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense soup is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing lean protein from chicken breast, complex carbohydrates from orzo, and fiber-rich vegetables that support stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients help practitioners feel satisfied throughout fasting periods while maximizing nutritional value during limited eating times.

Intuitive Eating

This comforting Greek soup is ideal for Intuitive Eating as it provides both nourishment and satisfaction without restriction or guilt. The recipe honors hunger with adequate portions of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables while celebrating the pleasure of traditional Mediterranean flavors and the emotional comfort of a soul-warming homemade soup.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This soup exemplifies Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods including lean protein from chicken breast, whole grain orzo, abundant vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil. The recipe avoids processed ingredients and added sugars while providing a satisfying, balanced meal with appropriate portions that support sustainable weight management.

Mediterranean Diet

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that emphasizes extra virgin olive oil, lean poultry, whole grains (orzo), and abundant vegetables (carrots, celery, onions). The recipe uses herbs and lemon for flavoring rather than excessive salt, and showcases the traditional Greek cooking technique of egg-lemon liaison (avgolemono) without any cream or heavy fats, perfectly aligning with Mediterranean Diet principles of wholesome, minimally processed ingredients.

MIND Diet

This soup supports MIND Diet principles with its emphasis on brain-healthy ingredients including olive oil, abundant vegetables (carrots, celery, onions), whole grain orzo, and lean poultry. The anti-inflammatory herbs and lemon provide antioxidants while avoiding butter, excessive saturated fats, and processed ingredients that the MIND Diet restricts.

Mindful Eating

This soup is perfect for mindful eating practice with its engaging sensory elements—the bright citrus aroma of lemon, silky texture of the egg liaison, fresh herbal notes of dill, and varied textures from tender chicken and orzo. The whole food ingredients and traditional preparation encourage slow, conscious consumption and appreciation of Mediterranean culinary heritage.

Vegetarian Diet

While this recipe contains chicken, it can easily be adapted for vegetarians by substituting the chicken with chickpeas, white beans, or tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, maintaining all other traditional Greek avgolemono elements including the egg-lemon liaison and fresh dill.

Weight Watchers

This soup is Weight Watchers-friendly with its emphasis on lean protein from skinless chicken breast, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and moderate whole grain portions. The recipe avoids added fats beyond minimal olive oil, uses no heavy cream or processed ingredients, and creates a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that supports weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2 min
2
6 min

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 6-8 minutes.

3
1 min

Add the minced garlic and oregano, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

4
5 min

Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.

5
18 min

Add the chicken breasts to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for 5 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

7 min
7
9 min

While the chicken rests, bring the broth back to a boil and add the orzo. Cook for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente.

8

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Remove the bay leaves and discard them.

1 min
9

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until well combined and frothy.

1 min
10

Reduce the heat to low. Slowly ladle about 2 cups of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture while whisking constantly. This tempers the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.

2 min
11
3 min

Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot while stirring the soup constantly. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and becomes silky. Do not let it boil.

12

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

1 min
13

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.

2 min

Frequently Asked Questions