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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful chicken soup featuring tender chicken breasts, finely chopped vegetables, and delicate orzo pasta, all brightened with fresh lemon juice and parsley. This hearty yet light soup is perfect for a cozy meal, combining savory and zesty notes with a creamy texture from a simple butter and flour roux.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped

Dairy & Oil

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Liquid

  • 6 cups chicken broth

Protein

  • 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts

Pasta & Garnish

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

Instructions

  1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped celery, carrots, and onion, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add garlic and flour: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute to create a light roux.
  3. Add broth and chicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour. Add Italian seasoning and the uncooked chicken breasts. Bring the soup to a boil.
  4. Simmer the soup: Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
  5. Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.
  6. Shred chicken and finish soup: Remove the chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot. Add lemon juice and fresh parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy while hot, appreciating the bright, savory flavors and comforting texture.

Notes

  • Adjust the lemon juice quantity to your taste preference for a more or less tangy soup.
  • Stir the soup often when cooking the orzo to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Use homemade chicken broth if available for better flavor, or low-sodium broth for reduced salt content.
  • For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.
  • Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken orzo soup, chicken soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, one pot soup, healthy chicken soup

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