Description
A Bright and Comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or light lunches. This soup combines tender chicken, al dente orzo, and fresh lemon flavors for a flavorful and nourishing meal that is easy to prepare and bursting with citrus brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup dried orzo pasta
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken by poaching in broth or sautéing in a skillet with olive oil until cooked through. Shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for a few more minutes to meld flavors.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or dill. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Cook the orzo separately or add near the end to prevent overcooking.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of broth or lemon juice to maintain flavor and moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 290 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg