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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 12 reviews

This comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combines tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth with a bright lemon finish. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is hearty yet light, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make it both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Fats and Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flour

Liquids and Broth

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)

Protein and Grains

  • 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onions, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma. Then sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute to create a roux that will slightly thicken the soup.
  3. Add Broth and Chicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour completely. Add the Italian seasoning and the uncooked chicken breasts. Bring the soup to a rolling boil.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot partially with the lid slightly ajar, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and continue cooking uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
  6. Shred Chicken and Final Seasoning: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, cut or shred them into bite-sized pieces, and return them to the soup. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

  • You can adjust the lemon juice quantity to your liking for a milder or more pronounced lemon flavor.
  • Stir the orzo often during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • For extra flavor, use a homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth.
  • This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, chicken orzo, healthy chicken soup, easy soup recipes, lemon chicken orzo soup

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe/