QUICK AND LIGHT GREEK-STYLE CHICKEN SOUP WITH VEGETABLES

A fast and healthy twist on the classic Greek-style chicken soup, packed with vibrant vegetables to enhance the mild flavor of chicken breast. Ready in just 35 minutes, this light yet nourishing soup is perfect for busy days. Optional additions like leek or broccoli bring extra freshness and nutrition.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 25 min
🍰 Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

½ chicken breast (about 300 g), cut into 2–3 cm cubes
1 onion
1 large carrot
1 celery stalk
¼ red bell pepper
50 g green beans (fresh or frozen), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp peas (fresh or frozen)
150 ml chicken broth
50 g orzo pasta
1 large egg
Juice of ½ lemon (about 40 ml)
1 sprig fresh dill, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2–3 tbsp oil

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken

Dice onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper into small cubes.
Heat oil in a pot over medium-low heat and sauté the vegetables until very soft (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Add the cubed chicken breast and quickly sauté just until the color changes.

2. Add Vegetables and Simmer

Add peas, green beans, chicken broth, and 850 ml water.
Bring to a boil and season with salt.
Once boiling, add orzo pasta, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes until orzo is tender.
Skim and discard any foam forming on top.

3. Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture (Avgolemono)

In a bowl, beat the egg with lemon juice until combined.
Slowly add 3 ladles of hot soup broth into the egg mixture in a thin stream, whisking constantly (one hand stirring, the other pouring, like making mayonnaise).

4. Finish the Soup

Remove the pot from heat and slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the soup while stirring continuously.
Return the pot to low heat and cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, ensuring the soup does not boil.
Stir in chopped dill.

Optional Additions

Add diced leek at step 1 for extra flavor.
Add broccoli florets along with peas in step 2 for added nutrition and color.

💡 Tips

Keep the soup from boiling after adding the egg mixture to prevent curdling.
Adjust lemon juice to your preferred level of brightness.
Skim foam early for a clear broth.
Orzo cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to maintain texture.

🎉 Perfect For

Quick, nutritious weeknight meals
Light lunches or dinners
Those seeking a healthy, vegetable-packed soup

📝 Final Thoughts

This quick Greek-style chicken soup offers a bright, creamy broth enriched with fresh vegetables and delicate egg ribbons. Its ease and speed make it ideal for busy days without sacrificing traditional comforting flavors. Enjoy this light, wholesome soup anytime you want a nutritious meal in under 40 minutes.