Description
A bright and comforting Mediterranean-inspired soup with tender chicken, lemony eggs, orzo, and herbs. Naturally creamy without dairy and perfect for cozy meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup orzo pasta or white rice
- 2 large eggs
- Juice of 2 large lemons (about 6 tablespoons), freshly squeezed
- ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, oregano, and turmeric. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add orzo or rice and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Reduce heat to low, add shredded chicken, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs with lemon juice until smooth.
- Slowly ladle about 1 cup of hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
- Gradually pour the egg-lemon mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously. Do not boil.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped dill.
- Remove from heat and serve warm with lemon wedges and additional dill if desired.
Notes
- Temper the eggs properly to avoid curdling.
- Do not let the soup boil after adding the egg-lemon mixture.
- Use cooked leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Orzo can be replaced with rice, quinoa, or other small pasta.
- Add more lemon juice at the end for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
