Hello, soup lovers! There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of soup, and this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is here to brighten your day. Packed with fresh flavors, tender chicken, and vibrant lemon notes, it’s the ultimate meal for cozy dinners or a pick-me-up on a cold day. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!
Introduction
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and freshness, combining tender chicken, silky orzo pasta, and a rich, flavorful broth with the zesty brightness of lemon. This dish, inspired by Mediterranean flavors, is not only hearty and satisfying but also light and refreshing. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding a family, or simply craving something wholesome, this soup delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
To create this flavorful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, you’ll need:
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
These simple ingredients combine to create a vibrant and hearty soup that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Fresh lemon juice and parsley provide the perfect finishing touches, elevating the dish with their bright flavors.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the Italian seasoning to the pot.
Place the uncooked chicken breasts into the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken breasts from the soup and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Add the lemon juice to the soup and stir to combine. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Helpful Tips
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—it adds a vibrant, tangy touch that elevates the soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or let the soup simmer longer after adding the orzo. For a heartier version, add a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Cooking Tips
To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup after the orzo has cooked. If you don’t have orzo on hand, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice make excellent substitutes. To enhance the broth’s flavor, simmer it with a parmesan rind or bay leaf while cooking the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in large bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for squeezing. Pair it with warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a light side salad for a complete meal. This soup also pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an overview of the nutritional profile of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 40%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 8%
This soup is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Freeze: You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup dairy-free? Yes! Simply substitute the butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil and skip the flour. Use cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the soup if needed.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Dried parsley works as a substitute, but use sparingly since it’s more concentrated in flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost.
Is this soup gluten-free? You can make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative and using gluten-free pasta.
Related Recipes
If you love this soup, you might enjoy these similar recipes:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Mediterranean Lentil Soup
- Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
- Garlic Butter Orzo with Spinach
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe! With its fresh, zesty flavors and comforting ingredients, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or serving it as a light lunch, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us. Happy cooking!