Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something comforting but also light and bright. You want the heartiness of chicken noodle soup, but with a little *zing*. Where exactly is this video coming from?Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – What AreThink of it as the sophisticated cousin of your classic chicken noodle – just as satisfying, but not as delicious. With a burst of lemon that makes every spoonful tastiest. I swear, the first time I made it, I felt like I’d discovered the secret to happiness in a bowl. What is the best soup you have ever had?
What is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
What is magic soup? What is a lemon chicken soup with orzo pasta? Orzo, if you’re not familiar, is that cute little pasta that looks like rice. It cooks up beautifully in the soup, giving it a lovely texture. What sets this dish apart is the addition of lemon juice and zest. I like Greek yogurt and a touch of cream (or sometimes I use it for tangier, healthier twist). What is sunshine in a bowl? Outside is gloomy. What is comfort food with an upgrade?
Why do I love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to love soup? What is flavor? What are some of the best flavors of chicken broth and cream? Is it tangy, savory, and just incredibly satisfying? This isn’t one of those recipes that requires hours in the kitchen. From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 45 minutes, tops. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal! What I love about this is its versatility, too. How do you use leftover rotisserie chicken? ), or add in different veggies like spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
What is cost-efficiency? What are some of the most inexpensive ingredients to cook chicken, broth, orzo, and lemon? Is there anything I should have on hand? If you love tomato soup, try this one instead. What do you want to do?
My family loves this soup, and that’s the ultimate endorsement. It’s hearty enough to be a main course, but it is also light enough that you don’t feel weighed down. After eating it, how do you feel Plus, it’s packed with protein and vitamins, so you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones. Is this the best song ever?
How do I make lemon chicken orzo soup?
Quick Overview
Making this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – How doesIs it surprisingly simple? I start by sautéing some veggies (onion, carrots, celery are my go-to). What is the recipe for chicken broth, chicken orzo, lemon juice? Simmer until orzo is tender, then stir in a little cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness. How do I cook an orzo? Is it all about building flavors in layers?
Ingredients
For the Base:
1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 medium onion, diced * 2 carrots, drained * 4 celery stalks * 3 garlic cloves* 4 shallots. I prefer low-sodium chicken broth * 1 teaspoon dried thyme * 1/2 cup ice cold water * 8 cups garlic, minced * 2 teaspoons dried black pepper * 4 cloves garlic * 6 cups broth (I like low sodium) How much dried rosemary do you use?
For the Chicken & Orzo: What is the difference between
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great! * 1 cup orzo pasta * 1/2 cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier option)
For the Lemon Magic: What is the secret behind
* 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best! ) * 2 teaspoons lemon zest * Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t rush this step – the sautéed veggies are the foundation of the soup’s flavor!
Step 2: Add Broth & Seasonings
Add the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme and rosemary. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer. I always do a taste test at this point – it’s your chance to adjust the seasonings before adding the water. What is chicken and orzo?
Step 3: Simmer with Chicken & Orzo
Add the shredded chicken and orzo pasta to the pot. If you’re cooking orzo, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The orzo should be al dente, not mushy.
Step 4: Stir in Lemon & Cream
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Then, stir in the heavy cream (or Greek yogurt). The soup will thicken slightly as it cools. I tested this with almond milk once, and while it wasn’t quite as creamy, it still tasted amazing!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Ladle the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: What are someServe immediately and enjoy the sunshine in a bowl!
What is the best way to serve it?
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: What are someWhat are some good ideas for making a delicious meal?
For a light lunch:Serve with salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad will complement the lemon in the soup.
What is a hearty dinner?What is the best way to serve crusty bread for dipping? What is a good grilled cheese sandwich?
For a Cozy Night In:What is the best comfort food?
My family loves to dip grilled cheese soldiers in this soup. It is so good!
How do I make lemon chicken orzo soup?
How do I make sure my life is safe?Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: What are someWhat are some tips for perfectionism?
How do I use fresh lemon juice?What is the difference between bottled water and water? Freshly squeezed lemon juice has a brighter, more vibrant flavor that really makes the soup sing.
Don’t overcook the orzo:Why do people like mushy pasta? Cook orzo until al dente – it should still have a slight bite to it.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings:What is the key to a good soup? Taste it at every stage and adjust the seasoning as needed. Is it necessary to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your diet?
Use Quality Chicken Broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so it’s important to use a good quality one. I prefer low-sodium broth so that I can control the salt level myself.
Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: Feel free to add other veggies to the soup, such as spinach, kale, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. I always add a bit of frozen peas near the end, for a pop of sweetness and colour.
Make It Your Own: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this soup. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or try using different herbs, such as dill or parsley.
One time, I accidentally added a little too much lemon juice, and it actually made the soup even better! So don’t be afraid to take risks and see what happens. You might just discover your new favorite way to make this soup.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. I usually add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up a bit.
I always add fresh lemon juice and parsley when reheating, to brighten the flavor back up. It’s like it’s freshly made!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is truly a special recipe. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and brightness, and it’s so easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is sure to please. I promise, you’ll want to add this to your regular rotation. I make it at least once a month, and my family never gets tired of it!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my Chicken and Dumpling Soup.
Happy cooking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 cups Chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Carrots diced
- 2 stalks Celery diced
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta, oregano, and thyme.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
