Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

By[email protected]
Spread the love

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Introduction

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light and refreshing dish that warms you up and uplifts your spirits. Packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup is perfect for chilly days and comforting meals. The combo of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon creates a delicious broth that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare and quick to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Second, it offers a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a nutritious meal in one bowl. Finally, the bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing touch that turns a simple soup into something special.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Making Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these easy steps to create a comforting bowl of soup that everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces orzo pasta
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3 medium carrots, chopped, or more to taste
  • 3 ribs celery, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 (32 ounce) cartons fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped
  • 1 (8 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
  • 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in orzo and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered until partially cooked through but not yet soft, about 5 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cooled completely.

  3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften and onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season mixture with thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper; continue cooking another 30 seconds before pouring chicken broth into the pot.

  4. Bring broth to a boil. Partially cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes.

  5. Stir orzo, lemon juice, and lemon zest into broth; add chicken. Cook until chicken and orzo are heated through, about 5 minutes. Add baby spinach; cook until spinach wilts into broth and orzo is tender, 2 to 3 minutes.

  6. Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with lemon slices and Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup hot in a bowl. You can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a lemon slice on top for added flavor and presentation. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

If you have leftovers, store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Just be aware that the orzo may absorb some of the broth during freezing.

Tips to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

  • Always cook the orzo until it is slightly underdone, as it will continue to cook in the broth.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time if you don’t want to cook chicken from scratch.
  • Customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand; zucchini or bell peppers can be great additions.

Variation

You can make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more beans or lentils for protein.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat orzo?
Yes, whole wheat orzo can be used for a healthier option. Just check the cooking time, as it may vary.

2. How can I make the soup creamier?
To make the soup creamier, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk when adding the broth.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn.

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup! It’s a perfect dish to share with family and friends.