Print

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

A comforting and zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup featuring tender chicken breasts, finely chopped vegetables, and delicate orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful chicken broth enhanced with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for a hearty yet light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Fats and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Proteins and Liquids

  • 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo

Finishing Touches

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

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped celery, carrots, and onions, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Then sprinkle in the flour and cook for about one minute to create a light roux, which will help thicken the soup.
  3. Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to dissolve the flour. Add Italian seasoning and the uncooked chicken breasts. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer Soup: Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
  5. Cook Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta. Cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom, until the pasta is tender.
  6. Shred Chicken and Finish: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred or cut into bite-sized pieces, and return them to the soup. Stir in lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for a fresh, comforting soup.

Notes

  • For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add extra lemon juice gradually to suit your taste.
  • Stir the soup often while cooking the orzo to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving.

Keywords: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, chicken soup, lemon soup, orzo pasta soup, comforting soup, easy dinner soup

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe/