Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a wonderful dish that is both comforting and refreshing. This soup is perfect for a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. The bright flavors of lemon combined with tender chicken and orzo make a meal that warms the soul. It’s quick to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

How to Make Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

To prepare this delightful soup, you’ll need to follow some simple steps. Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Add the cooked chicken and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Serve this soup hot in bowls. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and a touch of color. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it. However, keep in mind that orzo may become softer when reheated.

Tips to Make Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it.
• If you want a more vibrant flavor, add more lemon juice or lemon zest.
• You can add some leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for more nutrition.
• Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Variation

Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. You can also add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or corn to enhance the soup.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. It’s often more flavorful the next day after the ingredients have had time to meld together.

2. Can I freeze the soup?
   Yes, the soup can be frozen. Just remember that the orzo may change texture when reheated.

3. What else can I add to the soup?
   You can add different vegetables, herbs, or spices based on your taste. Consider adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.

Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A comforting and refreshing soup that combines bright lemon flavors, tender chicken, and orzo, perfect for chilly days or when feeling under the weather.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 pieces carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Main Ingredients

• 8 cups chicken broth Use homemade for extra flavor.
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 piece lemon, juiced Add zest for more flavor.
• to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.

Garnish

• to taste fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Cooking

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
• Add the cooked chicken and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Be aware that orzo may become softer when reheated. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit chicken.

Keyword Comfort Food, Healthy Soup, Lemon Chicken Soup, Orzo Soup, Quick Recipes