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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful soup that combines the zesty brightness of lemons with the comforting wholesomeness of chicken and orzo pasta. 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Chicken, Pasta, Soup
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Soup Pot  pot that allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly
  • Microplane Zester a tool that is great for zesting lemons without any bitter pith
  • Instant-Read Thermometer to ensures your chicken is cooked to perfection without being overdone

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until they start to soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and lemon zest.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the orzo and let it simmer until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  • While the orzo cooks, shred the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
  • Pour in the fresh lemon juice and give it a good stir.
  • Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  • Remove the bay leaf.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
  • Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every spoonful of this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

  • This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple garden salad.

Pro Tips:

  • For an extra layer of flavor, sauté the orzo in a bit of butter before adding the broth.
  • To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, cook it separately and add it to each bowl before ladling the soup.

Substitutions:

  • No orzo? Use rice or small pasta like couscous.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add tofu or white beans for protein.

Variations / Options / Add-Ins:

  • Add a handful of baby spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
  • Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving for added creaminess.
  • Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.