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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 19 reviews

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light, refreshing, and comforting dish perfect for any season. Featuring tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and bright lemon juice and zest, this soup is packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or when you crave a nourishing bowl of soup with a citrusy twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Pasta

  • 1 cup dried orzo pasta

Broth & Base

  • 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Citrus & Flavoring

  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken breasts or thighs either by poaching in the chicken broth or sautéing in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until fully cooked through. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, then sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the dried orzo pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked al dente.
  4. Combine Chicken and Lemon: Return the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
  • Orzo cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to maintain a pleasant texture.
  • Adding lemon zest enhances the citrus aroma beyond just the juice.
  • Feel free to swap chicken breasts with thighs for a moister texture.
  • This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, chicken and pasta soup, Mediterranean chicken soup, lemon orzo soup

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe/