Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting bowl of vibrant flavors that warms the soul. This delightful soup features tender chicken paired with fluffy orzo, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon twist. Perfect for chilly days or family gatherings, it’s a dish everyone will love. Easy to customize based on your pantry staples, this recipe promises to be a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and zest
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onions (if using), carrots, and celery until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add whole chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour in chicken broth until submerged; bring to a boil then reduce heat.
- Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot along with orzo.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest; simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until orzo is al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, include kale or spinach. Substitute orzo with quinoa or rice for a different texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stove.