This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a refreshing twist on traditional chicken soup, featuring bright lemon flavors and tender orzo pasta. It’s perfect for any season, whether you need something warming during the cold months or a light and zesty soup for the warmer days.
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the Soup:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the Italian seasoning, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the whole chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts.
- Remove and Shred Chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the soup and set them aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Cook the Orzo:
- While the chicken is cooling, bring the soup back up to a simmer and add the uncooked orzo. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
- Finalize the Soup:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the soup and adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with extra parsley or a slice of lemon if desired.
Tips:
- For a Clearer Soup: To prevent the soup from getting too thick, you can omit the flour or use less orzo.
- Variations: Add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color. They can be added towards the end of cooking so they retain their vibrant color and texture.
- Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days and freezes well for up to three months. Store in airtight containers.
Conclusion:
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and full of healthy ingredients. Its bright lemony flavor makes it unique and irresistible, perfect for a family dinner or nourishing meal any time of the year. Enjoy the delightful and comforting taste of this homemade soup!