Why Make This Recipe
Delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a bright and comforting dish that warms you up from the inside out. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and tart lemon for a refreshing flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for when you are feeling under the weather. It’s easy to make and packed with nutrients, making it a great option for families.
How to Make Delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 2 lemons (plus zest)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add carrots and celery; cook until softened.
- Add cubed chicken and pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in orzo pasta and cook for another 8–10 minutes until al dente.
- Remove from heat and add lemon juice, zest, and spinach.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
How to Serve Delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Serve this soup warm in bowls. You can garnish each bowl with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs for added flavor. Crusty bread or a light salad on the side makes a nice addition.
How to Store Delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Tips to Make Delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking.
- If you want the soup to be creamier, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
- Do not overcook the orzo; it should be al dente to avoid getting mushy.
Variation
You can swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Adding other vegetables like zucchini or kale can also change up the flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
What can I use instead of orzo?
You can use other small pasta such as ditalini or even rice if you prefer.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, swap orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with modifications)
Description
A bright and comforting soup that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and tart lemon for a refreshing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 2 lemons (plus zest)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add carrots and celery; cook until softened.
- Add cubed chicken and pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in orzo pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Remove from heat and add lemon juice, zest, and spinach.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving. Do not overcook the orzo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken soup, lemon soup, orzo soup, healthy soup, comforting soup