Welcome to the delightful world of homemade comfort food! Today, we’re sharing an incredibly cozy and delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe. If you’re a fan of vibrant flavors and hearty soups, this recipe is perfect for you. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon with soft orzo pasta to create a satisfying meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Introduction
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a beloved dish with Mediterranean roots, known for its light yet comforting flavor profile. What makes it unique is the perfect balance of zesty lemon and tender chicken, complemented by orzo pasta that gives it a hearty touch. The fresh parsley and Italian seasoning add aromatic notes, making this dish a must-try for soup enthusiasts and lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a meal to warm up on a chilly evening or a wholesome dish to boost your mood, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
To make this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 sticks of 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 more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or more to taste)
- Salt & pepper – to taste
Optional substitutions:
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Use gluten-free orzo if avoiding gluten.
- Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a lighter option.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – Step by Step
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large soup pot, add the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, sauté the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onions for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become aromatic.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Flour
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Broth and Add the Seasonings
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the flour has dissolved. Add the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the soup, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the pot (leaving the lid slightly open), reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Add the Orzo
Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.
Step 7: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your preference for a more vibrant or subtle lemon flavor.
Helpful Tips for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley will elevate the soup’s flavor significantly.
- Prevent Orzo from Overcooking: If you’re not serving the soup immediately, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it when reheating. This prevents it from becoming too soft.
- Add a Splash of Cream: For a richer texture, add a splash of cream or half-and-half just before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Sauté the Vegetables Properly: Don’t rush the sautéing process. Let the vegetables soften and caramelize slightly to add depth to the soup.
- Shred the Chicken Thoroughly: Shredding the chicken instead of chopping gives the soup a more rustic and comforting feel.
- Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If possible, use homemade chicken broth for a more authentic and flavorful base.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread: The buttery and crisp garlic bread complements the zesty soup perfectly.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- White Wine: A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the lemony notes of the soup.
For a complete meal, serve the soup with any of these sides and enjoy a cozy and satisfying dinner.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup contains approximately:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 32g
- Vitamin A: 40% DV
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Nutritional info for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftovers for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the orzo) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat: To reheat, simmer gently on the stovetop. Add a bit of chicken broth if the soup has thickened during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of uncooked chicken? Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply add the shredded rotisserie chicken in Step 6.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans for added protein.
- What if I don’t have orzo? You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice.
- How do I keep the soup from becoming too thick? The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. Add more broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Related Recipes for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Lovers
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread: A hearty casserole perfect for a comforting family dinner.
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix: Savory sausage balls that are a great addition to any party platter.
Conclusion
We hope you give this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup a try and experience its delicious, comforting flavors. Feel free to share your thoughts or any variations you’ve made in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe – Cozy, Healthy, and Delicious
Description
Welcome to the delightful world of homemade comfort food! Today, we’re sharing an incredibly cozy and delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe. If you’re a fan of vibrant flavors and hearty soups, this recipe is perfect for you. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon with soft orzo pasta to create a satisfying meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of 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 more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or more to taste)
- Salt & pepper – to taste
Optional substitutions:
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Use gluten-free orzo if avoiding gluten.
- Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a lighter option.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large soup pot, add the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, sauté the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onions for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become aromatic.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Flour
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Broth and Add the Seasonings
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the flour has dissolved. Add the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the soup, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the pot (leaving the lid slightly open), reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Add the Orzo
Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.
Step 7: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your preference for a more vibrant or subtle lemon flavor.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley will elevate the soup’s flavor significantly.
- Prevent Orzo from Overcooking: If you’re not serving the soup immediately, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it when reheating. This prevents it from becoming too soft.
- Add a Splash of Cream: For a richer texture, add a splash of cream or half-and-half just before serving.
