Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for cozy nights, busy weekdays, or any occasion where comfort food is needed, this recipe brings together wholesome ingredients that create a delightful flavor profile. It’s light yet filling, making it suitable for both lunch and dinner. Plus, with its vibrant lemony notes, it’s sure to brighten up your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Comfort Food: With lean chicken and nutritious veggies, it’s a guilt-free choice that satisfies.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the lemon juice to your liking for the perfect tanginess that suits your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the mild flavors and fun orzo pasta, making it a hit with everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking the entire batch of soup at once without spilling.
• Sharp knife: Ensures easy chopping of vegetables, making prep time quick and efficient.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps achieve accurate ingredient quantities for perfect results every time.

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!

For the Soup Base

• 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)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Chicken and Orzo

• 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked orzo

For Flavor Enhancements

• 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 Vegetables

Start by heating the large soup pot over medium-high heat.
– Sauté the chopped celery, carrots, and onions in the butter and olive oil for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Once your vegetables are tender,
– Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
– Add the flour to the pot and cook for another minute to form a roux.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Chicken

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

Step 4: Simmer on Low Heat

After boiling,
– Cover the pot slightly with a lid to allow steam to escape.
– Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Orzo Pasta

Now it’s time to add some pasta!
– Stir in the uncooked orzo into the soup. Cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until orzo is tender. Remember to stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Touches

Finally,
– Remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Chop it up into bite-sized pieces before adding it back into the soup.
– Stir in lemon juice, adjust according to taste, add fresh parsley, and season with salt & pepper as desired. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon chicken orzo soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a casual lunch, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Pair your soup with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with buttery garlic bread for an extra flavor boost.

Topped with Herbs

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Chives: Add chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the soup.

Served with Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crispness and richness to the meal.
• Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, a mixed green salad balances the hearty soup.

In Individual Bowls

• Personal Portions: Serve in small bowls for individual servings, making it perfect for gatherings.
• Soup Cups: Use soup cups for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.

How to Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Perfecting lemon chicken orzo soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold Flavoring: Don’t hesitate to adjust the lemon juice according to your taste. A little extra can brighten the flavors significantly.
• Proper Cooking Time: Ensure the orzo is cooked just right; overcooking can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
• Use Quality Broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth. This greatly impacts the overall flavor of the soup.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate additional veggies like spinach or kale for extra nutrients and texture. They also add vibrant color to your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Complement your lemon chicken orzo soup with these delightful side dishes. Each option brings something special to your meal.

1. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette offers freshness alongside the hearty soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and sweetness, enhancing your dining experience.
3. Quinoa Salad: A protein-rich quinoa salad with herbs and lemon dressing works well as a nutritious side.
4. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese and garlic provide a deliciously comforting accompaniment.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices create a satisfying side dish full of flavor.
6. Pita Chips and Hummus: Crunchy pita chips served with creamy hummus offer a fun, interactive side option that pairs nicely with soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lemon chicken orzo soup is straightforward, but some common mistakes can affect your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the sauté step: This mistake can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sauté the vegetables before adding them to the broth.
• Overcooking the orzo: If you cook the orzo too long, it becomes mushy. Check for doneness frequently during the last cooking minutes.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
• Using cold chicken: Cold chicken takes longer to cook and may lead to uneven heating. Always use room temperature chicken for even cooking.
• Ignoring lemon juice balance: Too little lemon juice makes the soup dull, while too much can overpower it. Start with a tablespoon and adjust according to your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep your lemon chicken orzo soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, usually around 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making lemon chicken orzo soup.

Can I use leftover chicken for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken can be added at the same time as the orzo.

What other vegetables can I add to Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

You can add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup vegetarian?

Swap chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in advance?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Serve it hot with crusty bread on the side for a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

This lemon chicken orzo soup is not only light and healthy but also incredibly comforting. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or lunch, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try today!

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful and refreshing dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This hearty yet light soup combines tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and delicate orzo pasta, all infused with vibrant lemon juice for a zesty kick. Perfect for cozy evenings or busy weekdays, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to fit your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Sauté chopped celery, carrots, and onion in butter and olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add flour and cook for another minute to create a roux.
3. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring until the flour dissolves completely. Add Italian seasoning and uncooked chicken breasts; bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat, cover slightly with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in uncooked orzo and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
6. Remove cooked chicken, chop into bite-sized pieces, return to the pot, then stir in lemon juice, garnish with parsley, season with salt and pepper as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 250g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg