Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting soup that combines zesty lemon, tender chicken, and soft orzo pasta, look no further than this delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. Perfect for any time of year, this soup is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is simple yet flavorful, offering a bright twist on traditional chicken soup. Keep reading to learn how to make this easy and wholesome soup that everyone will love!

Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

To make this delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and 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

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To prepare this soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Ladle for serving

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and delicious bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onions. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
2. Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Continue cooking for another minute, allowing the flour to cook out slightly.
3. Pour in the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to dissolve the flour completely. Add the Italian seasoning and stir well to combine.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the uncooked chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly open and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Keep the lid off and stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the chicken to the pot.
7. Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley to the soup, adjusting the amount of lemon juice to your taste. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Adjust the Lemon Flavor: If you love a bright lemony taste, feel free to add more lemon juice or even some lemon zest. For a milder flavor, start with half the suggested amount and adjust to your preference.
• Keep an Eye on the Orzo: Orzo can quickly absorb liquid and become mushy. To avoid this, cook the orzo until just tender and keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
• Shred the Chicken Easily: To save time, use two forks or even a hand mixer to shred the cooked chicken quickly and easily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Orzo: Overcooking the orzo can result in a mushy texture. Make sure to cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the hot soup.
• Adding Too Much Lemon Juice: Start with the suggested amount of lemon juice and taste before adding more. It’s easier to add more lemon than to try to balance an overly acidic soup.
• Not Stirring Enough: Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pot if not stirred frequently. Keep an eye on it, especially in the last few minutes of cooking.

Variations and Swaps

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian version.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Try Different Herbs: While parsley adds a fresh flavor, you could also use dill or basil to change the flavor profile of the soup.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, serve your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in rustic bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a twist of lemon zest. Pair with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a bit of added richness.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo may absorb more broth as it sits, so add a little extra broth or water when reheating. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply add the shredded chicken to the soup after the orzo is cooked, and heat through for a few minutes.

What can I use instead of orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even couscous.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. However, the orzo may become softer when reheated. If you plan to freeze the soup, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it when reheating.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright flavors, tender chicken, and satisfying orzo, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a light and refreshing option in the warmer months, this soup has you covered. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness!

Print