Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 1/2 cup long-grain white rice
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitution tips: If you prefer, brown rice adds a nuttier flavor but will require longer cooking time. For a gluten-free option, rice is naturally safe, but always double-check your broth label. If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference in that bright, authentic taste.
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for another minute until aromatic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the rice, cover, and let it cook gently for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the rice cooks, whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth. This mixture is the magic that gives the soup its creamy texture.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Slowly ladle about one cup of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
- Gradually pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot, stirring gently to combine. Return the pot to low heat and warm the soup without boiling for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir continuously—this step is key to achieving that silky, velvety texture.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken to the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
My biggest tip here is patience with the tempering step. When I first started, I was so eager to get the soup on the table that I rushed it—and ended up with scrambled eggs in my broth. Tempering the eggs slowly is the trick I learned standing on that kitchen stool, and it makes all the difference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International