Weight Watchers Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup)
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1/2 cup uncooked orzo (5 points)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (0 points)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (0 points)
- 2 large eggs (0 points)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (0 points)
- 1 medium carrot, diced (0 points)
- 1 stalk celery, diced (0 points)
- 1 small onion, chopped (0 points)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (0 points)
- 1 tsp olive oil (1 point)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (0 points)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, 0 points)
Directions:
- Cook the orzo: In a small pot, cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add chicken and broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the broth to a simmer and cook the chicken for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred them with two forks, and set them aside.
- Prepare the egg-lemon mixture: While the soup is simmering, in a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and lemon juice together until smooth.
- Thicken the soup with the egg mixture: Slowly ladle about 1/2 cup of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents them from scrambling). Gradually add more broth (about 1 more cup), while whisking constantly. Once well-mixed, slowly pour the egg-lemon mixture back into the soup pot, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken and orzo: Stir the shredded chicken and cooked orzo into the soup. Continue to heat the soup on low (do not let it boil) until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~210
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 5g
- Weight Watchers Points: 3-4 points per serving (depending on orzo brand and portion size)
Tips:
- Orzo substitution: If you’d like to reduce points further, you can substitute orzo with cauliflower rice, which would make this a zero-point soup except for the olive oil.
- Tempering the eggs: It’s crucial to temper the eggs with hot broth slowly, as this prevents them from curdling and gives the soup its silky texture.
- Protein boost: You can add more shredded chicken for extra protein without adding points.
Benefits:
- High in protein: With lean chicken and eggs, this soup is protein-packed and satisfying.
- Low in points: By using lean chicken, low-sodium broth, and controlling the amount of orzo, this soup is a great low-point, hearty meal.
- Bright and fresh: The lemon juice gives this soup a refreshing, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the egg.
Conclusion:
This Weight Watchers Avgolemono Soup is a light, creamy, and zesty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal while staying within your points. It’s filling, delicious, and easy to make, bringing the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen!