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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and nourishing soup combining tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and vibrant lemon juice and zest. This easy-to-make recipe features a flavorful chicken broth base with sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs, creating a hearty yet light meal perfect for chilly days or whenever you want a bowl of fresh, warm comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta

Produce

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients – Finely dice the onions, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and zest the lemons. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set everything aside so it’s ready to go.
  2. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
  3. Step 3: Cook the Chicken – Push the vegetables to the side and add the chicken pieces. Cook until they are just browned on the outside but not fully cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes. This step locks in flavor and tenderness.
  4. Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer – Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook thoroughly.
  5. Step 5: Add Orzo and Lemon – Stir in the orzo pasta and cook uncovered for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Just before removing from heat, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the soup.
  6. Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish – Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill on top just before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • Use homemade broth: For the richest flavor, homemade chicken broth makes a noticeable difference.
  • Don’t overcook the orzo: It can become mushy quickly, so keep a close eye while it cooks.
  • Zest before juicing: To get the most lemon flavor without bitterness, zest the lemons first and then juice.
  • Adjust lemon to taste: Start with less lemon juice and add more if you prefer a tangier soup.
  • Remove excess fat: Skim off any fat from the broth before serving for a cleaner taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, comfort food, easy chicken soup, lemon soup, healthy soup, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/