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

Scale

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.

Notes

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.