Avgolemono Soup

This avgolemono soup is Chef John's version of the popular Greek soup made with a whole chicken, arborio rice, oregano, eggs, and plenty of lemons.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr 10 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 35 mins
• Calories: 485 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (3 pound) whole chicken
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt, or more to taste
• 3 quarts cold water
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 cups finely diced onion
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
• 0.66666668653488 cup arborio rice, or more to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place chicken, 1 chopped onion, celery, carrot, bay leaves, salt, and oregano in a large pot. Pour water over the top; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, skimming foam as necessary, until chicken is falling off the bone, 60 to 90 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Step 2

Transfer chicken to a large bowl to cool. Strain all vegetables from simmering broth, discard vegetables, and return broth to the pot. Chop chicken meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 3

Combine 2 cups diced onion, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion mixture until onion is soft, sweet, and golden, 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 4

Stir onion mixture into broth in the pot and set over medium-low heat; add Arborio rice and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is very tender and broth flavors combine, about 45 minutes.

Step 5

Whisk together eggs, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl; whisk in lemon juice until combined. Slowly pour 1 cup broth mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Whisk another 1 cup broth mixture into egg mixture, then pour egg mixture into the pot. Stir well.

Step 6

Add chopped chicken and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes more.