Description
A cozy and zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combining tender chicken, bright lemon juice and zest, and small orzo pasta in a flavorful, comforting broth. Perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or chilly days, this soup offers fresh citrus brightness balanced with hearty ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Herbs & Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, forming the flavorful base of the soup.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken pieces to the pot with the vegetables and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns white and begins to brown gently, locking in the juices.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Add minced garlic and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Stir in Orzo: Add 3/4 cup of orzo pasta to the simmering broth. Cook for 7-9 minutes until tender but firm, taking care not to overcook to prevent mushiness.
- Add Lemon and Season: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired. Finally, mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or dill to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken broth for a richer, more nuanced flavor.
- Do not overcook the orzo; it continues to soften after removing from heat.
- Zest the lemon before juicing to capture essential oils.
- Shred leftover cooked chicken to save time and add texture.
- Adjust lemon juice incrementally to achieve desired brightness and tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg