Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Lemon chicken orzo soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, enveloping you in its vibrant flavors and comforting aromas. Picture this: a steaming bowl brimming with tender chicken, bright lemon notes, and tiny orzo pasta dancing together in a savory broth that’s all too inviting.

This delightful recipe is not just food; it’s a memory-maker. I remember the first time I prepared lemon chicken orzo soup for my friends during a rainy weekend gathering. The laughter and compliments that followed were as heartwarming as the soup itself.

I still chuckle at how my friends claimed they could taste the love in every spoonful of this delicious soup.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 2-3 breasts for a hearty soup that packs protein.

• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and adds a delightful texture to the soup.

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is key; it elevates the dish with bright acidity.

• Carrots: Chop them finely for sweetness and color; they balance the citrus beautifully.

• Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.

• Garlic: Minced garlic brings an aromatic punch that enhances the entire dish.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still providing rich flavor.

• Dill (Fresh or Dried): Dill complements chicken and lemon perfectly, adding an herbaceous note.

• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in your soup.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic & Chicken**: Stir in minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Then add chicken breasts whole; sear them until they turn golden brown on both sides.

Pouring in Broth**: Carefully pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Cooking Orzo**: Once simmering, add orzo pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes—until al dente.

Lemon & Herbs**: After cooking, squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup along with dill. Stir well to combine all those lovely flavors.

Taste & Adjust**: Give your soup a taste test! Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed; sometimes it just needs that little extra zing!

And there you have it! A delightful bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup ready for you to savor. Just don’t forget to garnish with additional dill or even some grated Parmesan cheese — because why not add more flavor? Enjoy!

You Must Know

• This lemon chicken orzo soup is not just delicious; it’s a hug in a bowl
• The bright citrusy flavors brighten up any dreary day, and the creamy texture makes it irresistible
• Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the onions and garlic for maximum flavor, then add the chicken. Once browned, incorporate the broth and orzo simultaneously for perfect timing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like spinach or kale. Experiment with spices like dill or thyme for unique flavor twists that scream comfort!

Storing & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Using fresh lemon juice brightens the soup beautifully; don’t skimp on it!
• For extra creaminess, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving
• And remember to taste as you go; seasoning can make all the difference!

Sometimes, I whip up this soup when friends drop by unexpectedly. Nothing makes you feel more at home than a warm bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup shared with loved ones.

FAQ

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu work wonderfully in this lemon chicken orzo soup.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken with chickpeas or beans.

Can I freeze lemon chicken orzo soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze without adding orzo. Add it when reheating for better texture.

Print

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Warm up with a bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, perfect for chilly days or gatherings with friends. This delightful soup features tender chicken, zesty lemon, and tiny orzo pasta simmered in a savory broth. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings smiles and nourishes the soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp fresh or dried dill
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and carrots; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in garlic; season with salt and pepper. Add chicken breasts whole, searing until golden brown on both sides.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer while scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
4. Add orzo pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente.
5. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and stir in dill. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra dill or grated Parmesan if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace chicken with chickpeas.