Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of simmering ingredients wafting through your kitchen, and a steaming bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup nestled in your hands. This isn’t just any soup—it’s a delightful embrace that dances between tangy and savory, making it my go-to recipe for when comfort is needed most. I remember the first time I made it on a particularly rainy day, and how the bright flavors lifted my spirits. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this to your repertoire.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup my favorite? First off, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want something warm and hearty, this soup hits the spot. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy orzo, and the zing from fresh lemon is utterly delightful. Plus, it’s nourishing and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a go-to for a wholesome dinner. Cooking this soup isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s more like hugging a friend with every spoonful—you can feel the love in it!

Gather These Ingredients

To whip up this scrumptious soup, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is our base, offering a lovely richness that starts the soup off beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a flavored olive oil could add an extra layer of depth.
• 1 onion, chopped: The cornerstone of flavor! Onions add sweetness as they caramelize, so don’t rush this step.
• 2 carrots, diced: These add a sweet crunch and vibrant color. Opt for baby carrots for easy chopping and a brighter profile.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery brings that quintessential comforting crunch and balances the flavors delicately.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is a kitchen superhero. It adds an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
• 6 cups chicken broth: This is the soul of your soup. Homemade broth shines, but a good store-bought version works wonders too.
• 1 cup orzo pasta: Tiny pasta morsels that soak up all the good flavors. Be sure not to overcook them; you want them al dente!
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Leftover rotisserie chicken? Perfect! The more tender, the better.
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested: Ah, lemon! Its brightness cuts through the richness and transforms the soup into a refreshing experience.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every dish to perfection.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): This isn’t just for show. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh note right when you serve it.

The Cooking Process Explained

Ready to bring this vibrant soup to life? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process:

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat. Listen for that soft sizzle—it’s time for flavor to unfold!
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery: Stir these lovely veggies together and let them cook until softened, around 5 minutes. This is where the magic starts!
3. Stir in the garlic: Add it to the pot and let it cook for an additional minute—watch it, though! Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter.
4. Pour in the chicken broth: Bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where your kitchen will start smelling divine!
5. Add the orzo pasta: Cook it according to packet instructions—typically about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
6. Once orzo is soft, stir in the chicken: Add the shredded chicken, lemon juice, and zest now. Those bright flavors will wake up your soup!
7. Season with salt and pepper: Taste and adjust as needed. You want to bring out every flavor without overpowering it.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley: There you go! A bowl of warmth ready to chase away any gloomy day.

How to Serve It

Now, let’s talk about how to make your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup truly shine at the dinner table. A warm, crusty bread on the side is a classic—think of it as the comforting hug that complements this delightful soup. You could also serve it with a simple side salad if you’re aiming for a lighter meal.

Feeling fancy? Drizzle a touch of olive oil and sprinkle some extra lemon zest over the top just before serving. This finishing touch not only looks beautiful but adds an extra pop of flavor!

Storage and Reheating Tips

You might be wondering how to keep the leftovers fresh for those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore. Here’s the scoop: let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to stretch the lifespan even further, freeze it! But, hold on a second—wait until you’re just about to add the orzo before freezing. Frozen orzo can turn mushy when reheated.

When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight, heat gently on the stovetop, and add a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick.

Pro Chef Tips

Here’s where I share a little insider knowledge. For extra depth, consider toasting your orzo in the olive oil before adding the broth—it adds a nutty flavor that’s simply divine. A dash of thyme or oregano can also provide fragrant notes that pair beautifully with the lemon.

If you’re feeling healthy—try substituting in some leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. They wilt down perfectly and bring a beautiful, fresh element!

Flavor Swaps

Looking for a twist? Why not play around with the protein? Shredded rotisserie chicken is fantastic, but cubed turkey or even shrimp can stir up new flavor dynamics. For a vegetarian version, swap in chickpeas or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead.

Craving something spicy? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth for a slow burn that warms you right up.

Ingredients List

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions to Follow

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic; cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Add orzo pasta; cook according to package instructions, 8-10 minutes.
6. Once orzo is cooked, stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I use whole chicken instead of shredded?
A: Absolutely! Just cook it separately until tender, and then shred it before adding to the soup.

Q: How long does this soup keep?
A: In the fridge, it’s good for up to 4 days; in the freezer, it’ll last for about three months.

Q: Is it necessary to zest the lemon?
A: Yes! The zest adds a concentrated burst of flavor that enhances the soup beautifully.

Q: What if I’m gluten-free?
A: Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or quinoa, keeping an eye on cooking times!

Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a vibrant ode to comfort food that inspires creativity in each step. From the first sizzle of olive oil to the last sprinkle of parsley, it’s a journey worth savoring. I encourage you to embrace this recipe, make it your own, and perhaps even share it with family and friends. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Main Course, Soups Recipe Keys: Dairy Free High Protein Non Vegetarian Nut Free Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 350

Best Season: Winter

Description

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful embrace that dances between tangy and savory, making it perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (Optional: Flavored olive oil for added depth.)
• 1 onion, chopped (Adds sweetness as it caramelizes.)
• 2 carrots, diced (Opt for baby carrots for easier chopping.)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (Brings a comforting crunch.)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (Adds an aromatic punch.)
• 6 cups chicken broth (Homemade or good quality store-bought.)
• 1 cup orzo pasta (Cook until al dente.)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (Leftover rotisserie chicken works well.)
• 1 whole lemon, juiced and zested (Brightens the soup.)
• to taste salt and pepper (Essential for flavor enhancement.)
• for garnish fresh parsley, chopped (Adds a burst of color and flavor.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Heat olive oil

   In a large pot over medium heat.
   Listen for a soft sizzle.
   Mark as complete

2. Add onion, carrots, and celery

   Stir and let cook for about 5 minutes.
   This is where the magic starts!
   Mark as complete

3. Stir in minced garlic

   Cook for an additional minute.
   Avoid burning the garlic.
   Mark as complete

4. Pour in chicken broth

   Bring it to a gentle simmer.
   Your kitchen will start smelling divine!
   Mark as complete

5. Add orzo pasta

   Cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
   Mark as complete

6. Stir in chicken, lemon juice, and zest

   Bright flavors will wake up your soup!
   Mark as complete

7. Season with salt and pepper

   Taste and adjust as necessary.
   Mark as complete

8. Serve hot

   Garnish with fresh parsley.
   Enjoy your comforting soup!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 10g16%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 40mg14%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 150 IU

Vitamin C 20 mg

Calcium 30 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 25 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.2 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas and vegetable broth.

Keywords: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, comforting soup, healthy soup