Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Brighten Up Your Day with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!
Looking for a comforting yet vibrant meal? Our Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect answer! This soup is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and American flavors, offering a light and refreshing take on classic chicken soup. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon kick that will awaken your taste buds.
This recipe is incredibly versatile – perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even to brighten up a chilly afternoon. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken! The bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and vegetables, creating a harmonious and satisfying bowl of goodness.
What makes this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup special?
- Flavorful Base: We start with a classic mirepoix (onion, carrots, and celery) to build a rich and aromatic base.
- Zesty Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are the stars of the show, adding a bright and refreshing flavor.
- Hearty Orzo: Orzo pasta adds a delightful texture and makes the soup more filling.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in under an hour.
Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup:
- Use good quality chicken broth: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
- Don’t overcook the orzo: It should be al dente, not mushy.
- Adjust the lemon juice to your liking: Some people prefer a more tart soup, while others prefer a milder flavor.
- Garnish generously with fresh parsley: This adds a pop of color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can add it to the soup during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The soup will actually taste even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but the orzo may become a bit soft. It’s best to freeze the soup without the orzo and add it when reheating.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread, a simple salad, or grilled vegetables.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: No, orzo is a wheat pasta. To make this soup gluten-free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice.
We hope you enjoy this bright and flavorful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup! It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta uncooked
- 2 large lemons juiced (plus 1 tsp zest)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add dried oregano and thyme and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add chicken breasts and cook until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove chicken from pot and shred. Return shredded chicken to pot.
- Add orzo pasta and cook according to package directions.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
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