This comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delicious blend of tangy lemon, tender chicken, and hearty orzo pasta. Perfect for a cozy meal, this easy-to-make soup is sure to brighten your day with its refreshing flavors.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 lemons, juiced and zested
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Broth:Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add Chicken and Orzo: Add the shredded chicken breast and uncooked orzo pasta to the pot. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is cooked through.
Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the juice and zest of 2 lemons. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.
Serving Tips:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or dill over each serving for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.
Crusty Bread or Crackers: Serve your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup alongside some crusty bread or your favorite crackers for a satisfying meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth!
Side Salad: Pair the soup with a light side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
Lemon Wedges: For an added touch of freshness, serve each bowl of soup with a wedge of lemon on the side. Squeezing a little extra lemon juice over the soup just before eating enhances the citrus flavor.
Accompaniments: Consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving for extra creaminess and richness.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup freezes well. Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Orzo Absorption: If the soup thickens upon reheating due to the orzo pasta absorbing the liquid, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
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FAQs:
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup as directed. This can save you time and add extra depth of flavor to your dish.
Can I substitute the orzo pasta with another type of pasta or grain?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand or prefer a different texture, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Alternatively, grains such as quinoa or rice can also be used. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup gluten-free, simply replace the orzo pasta with a gluten-free alternative. There are many gluten-free pasta options available, or you can use a grain like quinoa or rice. Ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I add extra vegetables to this soup?
Yes, adding extra vegetables is a great way to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the soup. Spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers are all excellent additions. Simply chop them up and add them to the pot along with the other vegetables, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure they are tender.
Conclusion:
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that’s sure to brighten up any day. With its simple preparation, nutritious ingredients, and refreshing flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Try it out today and experience the delicious blend of lemon, chicken, and orzo in every comforting bowl.
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
If you’re looking for a delightful, heartwarming meal that combines the zest of lemon with the comforting flavors of chicken and orzo pasta, look no further than this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. This recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also packed with nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 lemons, juiced and zested
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add shredded chicken breast and uncooked orzo pasta to the pot. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is cooked through.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo pasta with gluten-free pasta or grains like quinoa or rice.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
