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The Ultimate Keto Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Experience the classic comfort of Greek Avgolemono soup, reimagined for a low-carb lifestyle. This rich, velvety soup delivers bright lemon flavor and tender chicken in every spoonful, making it the perfect cozy and healthy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 263

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups about 10 oz / 280 g fresh riced cauliflower
  • 8 cups approx. 2 liters low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh-cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 9 oz / 255 g each)
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 3 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 medium carrot finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • cup 80 mL fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Equipment

  • 6-quart heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Medium skillet
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Ladle
  • Mixing bowl
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Sear the Chicken: In the large pot, heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot pot and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side, until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Build the Aromatic Base: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are completely softened and sweet. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Pour the 8 cups of chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  4. Toast the Cauliflower: While the soup is simmering, heat the separate medium skillet over medium heat. Add the riced cauliflower to the dry skillet and toast, stirring frequently, for 5–7 minutes. The cauliflower should be dry, lightly golden, and have a nutty aroma. This step prevents a watery soup.
  5. Shred and Combine: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot. On a cutting board, use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Stir the shredded chicken and the toasted cauliflower rice into the soup.
  6. Create the Lemon-Egg Emulsion: In the mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the three egg yolks with the fresh lemon juice and the ground turmeric until the mixture is pale yellow, frothy, and smooth.
  7. Temper and Thicken: Turn off the heat under the soup pot. While whisking constantly, slowly ladle about two cups of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, one ladle at a time. This tempering process gently raises the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them. Once combined, pour the warmed egg mixture back into the main pot of soup, stirring continuously as you pour. The soup will instantly become creamy and opaque. Do not return the soup to the heat.
  8. Finish and Serve: Stir in the ½ cup of fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately in warm bowls.

Notes

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop. Do not boil, as this will cause the egg to curdle and the soup to separate.
Richer Flavor: For a more succulent soup, substitute the chicken breasts with an equal weight of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The nutrition information will change slightly.
Troubleshooting: If your soup looks thin, it's likely the egg mixture wasn't tempered slowly enough or the soup was too hot. If it curdles, the soup was definitely too hot. The flavor will still be delicious, but the texture will be grainy. Success is all about controlling the temperature in the final steps.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.):

  • Calories: 263 kcal
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fat: 12 g (Saturated Fat: 3 g)
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg
  • Potassium: 510 mg