Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Brighten Your Dinner Table with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Looking for a comforting yet vibrant soup to warm you up? Our Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect blend of cozy and zesty! This Mediterranean-inspired soup is surprisingly easy to make, coming together in just 45 minutes, and is packed with flavor. It’s a delightful twist on classic chicken soup, elevated by the bright, fresh taste of lemon and the satisfying texture of orzo pasta.
This soup is a fantastic weeknight dinner option, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, soft vegetables, and the zing of lemon creates a truly irresistible bowl of comfort. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken!
What makes this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup special?
- Bright & Flavorful: The lemon juice and zest add a beautiful brightness that cuts through the richness of the broth.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Comforting: A warm and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any time of year.
Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup:
- Fresh Lemon is Key: Don’t skimp on the fresh lemon juice and zest – they make all the difference!
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo can become mushy quickly, so keep a close eye on it and cook it al dente.
- Roast the Lemon Slices: Roasting the lemon slices for garnish adds a beautiful visual appeal and intensifies their flavor.
- Add Herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, or thyme would be lovely additions to this soup.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different pasta?
A: Yes, you can! Ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti would work well in this soup.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The flavors will actually meld together even more beautifully if you let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Just be aware that the orzo will absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the orzo pasta. You can substitute gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or zucchini would be great additions to this soup.
We hope you enjoy this bright and flavorful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup as much as we do! It’s a perfect way to bring a little sunshine to your dinner table.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 carrots carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks celery diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- zest of 1 lemon
- salt to taste salt
- pepper to taste pepper
- lemon slices for garnish lemon slices roasted
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions.
- Stir in cooked chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with roasted lemon slices and serve.
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