Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect dish for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Its light and healthy qualities make it ideal for any occasion. The bright flavors of lemon combined with tender chicken and hearty orzo will warm you from the inside out. Easy to prepare, this soup is destined to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This soup comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a nutritious option that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Flavor: The balance of lemony brightness and savory broth makes it suitable for any palate.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy easy clean-up with just one pot needed for cooking, reducing your kitchen workload.
• Family Favorite: With its comforting taste and lovely aroma, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup efficiently, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Provides ample space for sautéing vegetables and cooking the soup without spilling over.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface; plus, it doesn’t conduct heat like metal utensils.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping ingredients quickly and safely ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

This lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is light, healthy, and cozy. It uses wholesome everyday ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite!

Vegetables

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

Cooking Essentials

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons flour

Broth & Seasoning

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked orzo

Final Touches

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

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Sauté the celery, carrots, and onions in a large soup pot with the butter and oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the flour, stirring constantly for another minute until well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth while stirring until the flour has dissolved completely. Add the Italian seasoning along with the uncooked chicken breasts. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Cover the soup with a lid slightly open to allow steam to escape. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

Stir in the uncooked orzo into the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish Up

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot, chop it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot. Add lemon juice (adjusting to taste), chopped parsley, salt, and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon chicken orzo soup is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement this cozy dish perfectly.

In a Bread Bowl

• Use crusty bread rolls to create edible bowls. Hollow out the center and fill them with hot lemon chicken orzo soup for a fun and hearty presentation.

With Fresh Lemon Wedges

• Serve slices of fresh lemon on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice just before eating enhances the soup’s bright flavor.

Topped with Croutons

• Add a sprinkle of crunchy croutons on top for texture. They provide a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the soup.

Garnished with Extra Herbs

• Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or dill on top just before serving. This adds freshness and a pop of color to your bowl.

Paired with Grated Parmesan

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese as an optional topping. It adds a creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with the lemony broth.

How to Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

To make your lemon chicken orzo soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips for perfecting the recipe.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and nutrition in the soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
• Cook orzo separately: If you plan to store leftovers, cook the orzo separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Shred chicken finely: For easier eating, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it back to the soup.
• Add spinach or kale: For extra nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Make a large batch in advance for busy nights!

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Pairing side dishes with your lemon chicken orzo soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that go well with this comforting soup.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the broth, adding flavor and crunch.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a hearty touch while complementing the flavors of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a filling accompaniment that rounds out your meal.
5. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese make for a delightful pairing that soaks up delicious broth.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast, cleansing your palate between bites of savory soup.
7. Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips add texture and are great for dipping into the warm broth.
8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings extra protein and fiber, making your meal more satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making lemon chicken orzo soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overcooking the Chicken: If you cook the chicken for too long, it can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
• Skipping the Sauté Step: Sautéing vegetables enhances their flavor. Don’t rush past this step; it adds depth to your soup.
• Not Stirring the Orzo: Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pot if not stirred often. Keep an eye on it while it cooks to prevent this issue.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Underseasoned soup can taste bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to enhance flavors.
• Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth can shock the cooking process. Always use warm or hot broth for a better result.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in a covered oven-safe dish, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely with a lid. Heat in intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about lemon chicken orzo soup.

What is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Lemon chicken orzo soup is a light and flavorful dish made with chicken, orzo pasta, vegetables, and lemon juice. It’s perfect for any occasion!

How do I make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, substitute regular orzo with gluten-free orzo pasta made from rice or quinoa.

Can I add more vegetables to my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

How long does Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, lemon chicken orzo soup will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This lemon chicken orzo soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or herbs based on your preference. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep throughout the week. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 portions 1x

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Description

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. With its vibrant lemony flavor, tender chicken, and hearty orzo pasta, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Packed with nutritious vegetables and lean protein, it’s not only delicious but also a healthy choice. Easy to prepare in just about 50 minutes, this one-pot wonder simplifies clean-up while satisfying everyone’s taste buds. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to become a staple in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, sauté celery, carrots, and onions in butter and olive oil over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds before stirring in flour; continue stirring for another minute.
3. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring until the flour is fully dissolved. Add Italian seasoning and uncooked chicken breasts; bring to a boil.
4. Cover the pot slightly ajar to let steam escape and reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in uncooked orzo; cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring frequently.
6. Remove cooked chicken, chop into bite-sized pieces, return to the pot, then add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg