One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a vibrant, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and the zesty brightness of lemon for a perfectly balanced meal. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to create a rich, flavorful dish in just one pot. With ingredients like chicken, carrots, celery, and orzo pasta, it’s a wholesome option that can be enjoyed year-round, whether you’re craving something light or hearty.

The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest gives the soup a refreshing and tangy kick, making it ideal for brightening up your meal on a cold day. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pot recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the epitome of comfort food, with a fresh twist. The lemon juice and zest infuse the soup with a bright and refreshing flavor that complements the savory chicken and vegetables. The orzo pasta adds a delightful texture, making the soup both filling and satisfying. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, it’s the perfect weeknight meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your tastes—whether you prefer more or less lemon, extra herbs, or even a boost of heat, this soup can be tailored to your liking.

Moreover, it’s a great way to use leftover cooked chicken or make a batch of soup from scratch with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The entire recipe is made in one pot, which simplifies the cooking process and reduces the cleanup afterward.

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Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Carrots, peeled and sliced into thin quarters
• Celery ribs, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken stock
• Water (for extra liquid)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or cooked chicken)
• Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Bay leaf (optional)
• Uncooked orzo pasta
• Chopped parsley

Variations

This soup is versatile and can be adjusted to your preferences with a few simple changes:

• Add Greens: Add spinach, kale, or Swiss chard to increase the vegetable content. Stir them in towards the end of cooking.
• Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have orzo, substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rice.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker version, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more beans or vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian option.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a touch of heat.
• Herb Variations: Swap Italian seasoning for other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Liquid

Pour in the chicken stock and water. If using raw chicken breasts, add them to the pot now. If you’re using cooked chicken, wait until later to add it. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Add the bay leaf (if using) and lemon zest (if desired).

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

If using raw chicken, allow it to cook in the broth for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred or chop them, and return them to the soup.

Step 5: Add Orzo Pasta

Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Add more water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Adjust Seasonings

Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, adjusting the amount to your preference. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the bay leaf (if used), and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve the soup hot with additional lemon wedges and your favorite bread on the side.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Shred the Chicken for Better Texture: After cooking the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks for a more pleasant texture in the soup. It’ll absorb more of the flavors.
• Use Homemade Broth for Extra Flavor: If you have homemade chicken stock, use it for even more depth of flavor in the soup.
• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo can become mushy if cooked for too long. Keep an eye on it and test it for doneness after about 10 minutes.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth. If you prefer a heartier soup, reduce the liquid slightly.
• Make it Ahead: This soup stores well for a few days in the fridge and also freezes nicely. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

How to Serve

This One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is filling enough on its own, but it can also be paired with:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or a baguette for dipping.
• Salad: Pair it with a light green salad to add more freshness to the meal.
• Cheese: Grate some Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo may absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. Add extra broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add additional liquid if needed, as the soup may thicken when stored.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will add a bit more flavor and moisture to the soup.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other small pasta shapes like small shells, ditalini, or even rice can be used instead of orzo.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add extra beans or vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.

4. How do I store the leftover soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. Add it after the soup has simmered and the pasta is cooked.

6. Can I adjust the lemon flavor?

Yes, you can adjust the lemon flavor by adding more or less lemon juice. Lemon zest is also optional, but it adds extra lemon flavor.

7. Is this soup gluten-free?

If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of orzo.

8. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level.

9. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrients.

10. How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks and test it after 10 minutes. If you’re storing leftovers, you might want to cook the orzo separately and add it to the soup when reheating to prevent it from getting too soft.

Conclusion

One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delicious, fresh, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. With its combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and bright lemon flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The simplicity of making it in one pot means minimal cleanup, and it can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you make it ahead for meal prep or enjoy it as a cozy dinner, this soup offers a healthy and satisfying meal that’s both light and filling.

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