Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

lemon chicken orzo soup

Picture yourself ladling a steaming bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, its tangy aroma filling the kitchen.

There’s something about this simple yet comforting dish that makes it a go-to favorite, especially on chilly days.

As the orzo cooks, it absorbs the rich broth, turning this meal into a cozy, satisfying delight.

The combination of zesty lemon and tender chicken creates an inviting experience.

Let’s bring this heartwarming soup to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, you can follow this timeline:

  1. Reading Time: 5 minutes
    • Before starting, take a few minutes to read through the recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
  2. Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Minute 0-5: Gather all ingredients and equipment. Start by dicing the onion, peeling and slicing the carrots, and slicing the celery.
    • Minute 5-10: Mince the garlic cloves and juice the lemon. Chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
    • Minute 10-15: Shred the cooked chicken if not already done.
  3. Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Minute 0-5: Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
    • Minute 5-6: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Minute 6-10: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
    • Minute 10-20: Add orzo pasta to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
    • Minute 20-25: Stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Simmer the soup for 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.
    • Minute 25-30: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Resting Time: 5 minutes
    • Let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving the soup.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Add orzo pasta to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.

Stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and dried oregano.

Simmer the soup for 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.

Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Crusty Bread: Pair with a warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
  • Mixed Green Salad: Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad for a light and invigorating complement.
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Enjoy with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and satisfying meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Accompany with a side of roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrients.
  • Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges for those who want an extra zing of citrus in their soup.

Storage

Store the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Portion it into airtight containers, and label with the date.

Freeze for up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally.

Add a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain desired consistency and prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the freshness of lemon with the heartiness of chicken and orzo.

This Mediterranean-inspired soup is perfect for any season, offering a burst of flavors in every spoonful.

Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this soup is an excellent choice for a cozy meal at home.

Enjoy the delicious blend of ingredients and savor the warmth it brings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta Instead of Orzo?

You can substitute orzo with another small pasta like ditalini or acini di pepe. Use a 1:1 ratio, adjusting cook time as needed for al dente texture. Make certain the pasta maintains its shape and doesn’t overcook.

How Can I Make the Soup Vegetarian?

Replace chicken with 2 cups of cooked chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Follow the same cooking steps, ensuring to sauté vegetables until soft, simmer chickpeas for flavor, and add lemon juice for brightness.

Is It Possible to Substitute Lemon With Lime Juice?

Yes, you can substitute lemon juice with lime juice in equal amounts. Use 1 lime, juiced, for a similar citrusy flavor. Adjust seasoning after adding lime, as lime may impart a slightly different acidity.

What Are Some Suitable Side Dishes to Serve With This Soup?

You can pair your soup with a side of crusty sourdough bread, 100 grams. Toss a crisp salad, 150 grams mixed greens, with a simple vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, 200 grams, also complement the soup’s flavors well.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Soup?

You can add vegetables like 1 cup diced zucchini or 1 cup chopped spinach. Sauté them with onions and carrots for even cooking. Make certain vegetables are bite-sized to maintain a balanced texture throughout the soup.

lemon chicken orzo soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalk celery sliced
  • 3 clove garlic minced
  • 8 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cup cooked chicken shredded
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • Add orzo pasta to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  • Stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
  • Simmer the soup for 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To enhance the flavor of the soup, consider using homemade chicken broth or add a chicken bouillon cube for extra richness. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or add more orzo. For a burst of freshness, add a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
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