When you’re craving a gentle, wholesome dish, Greek Healing Soup offers both comfort and nutrition in every bite. Inspired by the traditional Greek avgolemono, this heartwarming soup blends lemon, eggs, chicken, and rice into a light, creamy broth that nourishes the body and refreshes the spirit.
Whether you’re recovering from a cold, easing digestive discomfort, or simply seeking a satisfying yet light meal, this soothing recipe is ready in just under half an hour. With bright citrus notes and protein-rich ingredients, this soup feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Healing Soup is one of those meals that instantly makes you feel better. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a rich, silky texture without any dairy. The tang of fresh lemon brightens every spoonful, while the shredded chicken and rice create a well-balanced, filling meal.
This dish is ideal for cozy evenings, light lunches, or days when your body needs something soft, simple, and nourishing. It’s easy enough for beginners and satisfying enough for anyone who loves a good bowl of homemade soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component in this recipe adds flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how each ingredient contributes.
Chicken Broth – 3 cups
Acts as the savory backbone of the soup. It adds depth, saltiness, and a comforting aroma.
Bone Broth – 2 cups
Packed with collagen and essential nutrients, bone broth enhances the richness and supports gut health and hydration.
Zest of 1 Lemon
Lemon zest provides aromatic oils that boost the citrus flavor without adding extra acidity.
Juice of 2 Lemons
The fresh juice adds brightness and vitamin C, giving the soup its signature tang and immune-boosting benefits.
Bay Leaves – 2
Aromatic and subtle, bay leaves enhance the background flavors and give the broth a rounded taste.
Salt and Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon each
These seasonings help balance and highlight all the ingredients.
Large Eggs – 2 to 3
Eggs thicken the broth when gently tempered, resulting in a smooth, creamy consistency without any dairy.
Cooked Basmati Rice – 2 cups
Rice adds body to the soup and makes it more filling. Basmati holds its shape well and adds a light nuttiness.
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken – 2 cups
Pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds tender protein to the soup.
Fresh Dill – 2 tablespoons
This classic herb adds brightness, earthiness, and a traditional Greek touch.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – For Serving (Optional)
A finishing drizzle adds richness and a silky mouthfeel. It’s also a good source of heart-healthy fats.
How to Make Greek Healing Soup
This soup comes together with gentle heat and simple steps. First, you’ll simmer the base of the broth to bring out the flavor of the lemon and bay leaves. Then, you’ll prepare a lemon-egg mixture and carefully temper it with warm broth to prevent curdling. The cooked chicken and rice are added last for a filling, balanced finish.
The key is controlling the temperature—keeping the broth warm, not boiling—so the eggs emulsify smoothly into a luscious, creamy soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the Broth
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, bone broth, lemon zest, juice from one lemon, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Set the pot over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Lemon
In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until fully blended. Slowly add the juice from the second lemon while continuing to whisk, creating a smooth lemon-egg base.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Mixture
Carefully ladle a small amount of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly. Repeat this two more times. This warms the eggs slowly so they don’t cook too quickly when added to the soup.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Lower the heat on the broth. Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture into the soup while stirring gently. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling, and don’t let the soup boil.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Rice
Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked rice. Let everything warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bay leaves, stir in the fresh dill, and adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve warm, with an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Helpful Tips
Tempering the eggs properly is essential. Always whisk continuously while adding broth, and make sure the soup never comes to a boil after the eggs are added. For best results, use warm—not cold—rice and chicken so the temperature of the soup stays consistent. Add dill at the last moment to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Details
Flavor:
Bright and lemony with a light savory base. Balanced, refreshing, and slightly creamy.
Texture:
Silky broth with tender pieces of chicken and soft grains of rice.
Occasion:
Perfect when you’re feeling under the weather, want a light dinner, or need a digestion-friendly meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Notes
You can substitute the rice with orzo or quinoa for a twist on texture. For a meatless version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Want to add more greens? A handful of baby spinach stirred in just before serving adds color and nutrients. This soup is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Greek healing soup made of?
It includes chicken broth, bone broth, fresh lemon juice, eggs, shredded chicken, rice, dill, and seasonings like salt and pepper. These ingredients come together to form a creamy, citrusy, and protein-rich soup.
Is Greek healing soup similar to avgolemono?
Yes, it’s a variation of avgolemono, which traditionally blends lemon and eggs into broth for a smooth, bright, and creamy finish.
Is Greek healing soup good for colds and digestion?
Definitely. The broth hydrates, the lemon supports immunity, and the light texture is easy on the stomach.
Can Greek healing soup be made without eggs?
Yes, though the soup will be thinner. You can leave out the eggs and still enjoy the lemony broth with chicken and rice.
Storage Instructions
Once the soup cools to room temperature, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently. Do not boil, as this can cause the egg mixture to separate. Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate egg emulsion.
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Greek Healing Soup | Soothing Comfort in a Bowl
Description
A refreshing and nourishing lemon chicken soup made in the Greek avgolemono tradition. This simple, creamy broth is thickened with eggs and brightened with lemon for the perfect healing meal.
Ingredients
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups bone broth
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 2 lemons
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2–3 large eggs
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups cooked basmati rice
2 tablespoons fresh dill
Extra virgin olive oil (for serving, optional)
Instructions
1. Add chicken broth, bone broth, lemon zest, juice of one lemon, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to a pot. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Add juice of second lemon slowly and continue whisking.
3. Temper the egg mixture by adding hot broth gradually while whisking constantly.
4. Reduce heat and pour the tempered egg mixture into the soup, stirring gently.
5. Add chicken and rice. Let warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Remove bay leaves, stir in fresh dill, and serve with olive oil if desired.
Notes
Replace rice with orzo or quinoa if desired.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit chicken.
Stir in spinach for added nutrition.
Best served fresh. Avoid freezing due to eggs.
Conclusion
Greek Healing Soup is a go-to recipe when you need something light, comforting, and revitalizing. With its lemon-infused broth, creamy texture from eggs, and satisfying protein from shredded chicken, this soup offers both flavor and wellness in every bowl. It’s quick enough for a weekday meal and nourishing enough for times when your body needs a gentle boost. Keep it in your recipe rotation for cold days, quiet evenings, or when you’re simply looking for something soothing and easy to digest.