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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and delicate orzo pasta in a bright, lemon-infused broth. Perfect for a cozy meal that balances freshness and warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Fats and Thickening

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flour

Soup Base and Seasonings

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Main and Pasta

  • 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo

Finishing Touches

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
  3. Add Broth and Chicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour completely. Add Italian seasoning and the uncooked chicken breasts. Bring the soup to a boil.
  4. Simmer Chicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
  5. Cook Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.
  6. Shred Chicken and Season: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the soup. Add lemon juice, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust the lemon juice according to taste for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
  • Stir the orzo often while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
  • Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a richer flavor.
  • For a thicker soup, add a bit more flour when making the roux or reduce broth slightly.
  • Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge for added freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Chicken Soup, Orzo Soup, Chicken and Orzo, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe-3/