Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A Bowl of Comfort: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Looking for a quick and comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor? Our Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the answer! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a refreshing hint of lemon, this soup is perfect for any season. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend at home, this 30-minute recipe will have your kitchen smelling amazing and your taste buds doing a happy dance.

Grab a spoon and dive into a bowl of warmth, zest, and goodness. Ready to make it? Let’s get cooking!

Versatility of Orzo:

Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, is a versatile ingredient. Despite its pasta classification, orzo is often used in soups, providing a unique texture and absorbency. It adds a comforting element to the soup without overwhelming the other flavors.

Balancing Act with Lemon:

The addition of lemon zest and juice in this recipe serves a dual purpose. The zest contributes essential oils and intense citrus flavor, while the juice provides acidity. This balance enhances the overall taste of the soup, brightening up the savory elements with a refreshing and zesty kick.

FAQs

What is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, vegetables, and a zesty lemon twist. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saver. Add it after sautéing the vegetables and skip the step where the chicken is cooked.
What is orzo, and can I substitute it?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. You can substitute it with rice, couscous, or small pasta shapes like ditalini or pastina.
How long does Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup take to make?
This soup takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy meal.
Is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup healthy?
Yes, it’s a healthy, balanced meal with lean protein, vegetables, and light broth. For a lighter version, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the oil.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice to make it gluten-free.
Can I freeze Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it, but cook the orzo separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from getting mushy.
What vegetables can I add to this soup?
You can customize this soup with spinach, kale, zucchini, or even peas for extra nutrition.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of diced chicken breast?
Yes, bone-in chicken works too. Simmer the chicken until fully cooked, then shred the meat before adding it back to the soup.
How do I adjust the lemon flavor in the soup?
Add lemon zest and juice gradually, tasting as you go, to adjust the brightness to your liking.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
Pair it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients except the orzo and lemon to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the orzo and lemon in the last 30 minutes.
What makes this soup flavorful?
The combination of herbs, smoked paprika, garlic, and the bright lemon juice creates layers of flavor in this soup.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger pot to make enough for a crowd.

Make it

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup orzo pasta
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until the onion turns translucent.
Cook Chicken:
- Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until it’s no longer pink.
Add Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add Orzo:
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Lemon Infusion:
- Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the soup. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste.
Season and Garnish:
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the bay leaves.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 275
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Notes

Customize by adding more vegetables, like spinach or zucchini, for an extra nutritional boost.
Pairs perfectly with crusty bread for a heartier meal.

Enjoy!

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any season!

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