Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Here it is people, the amazingly refreshing Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup. This zesty delight is a perfect blend of wholesome chicken, tender orzo pasta and a spritz of tangy lemon juice. It’s soul food, redefined! This heart-warming soup is an all-season favorite. Be it a sick day, a comfort food day, or just another day at home – this soup will bowl you over each time and every time!

The lemony chicken orzo soup is not only satisfying and comforting, but also super easy to make! The tender chicken and pasta cooked in an aromatic broth that’s been kicked up a notch with a fresh burst of lemon, oh boy! You’re guaranteed to fall in love with it! Now, if that doesn���t tempt you to try it, I don���t know what will.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 people
• Yield: 8-10 cups of soup

Enough with the tease? Let’s dive into the ingredients then!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1 diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

You’re also going to need a large stockpot for this recipe.

The chicken is the backbone of this recipe, providing the protein. The lemon gives it that fresh zesty quality that sets it apart. The orzo pasta just makes it all heartier and comforting. If you don’t have orzo pasta, you could substitute it with another small pasta like ditalini.

How To Make Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup

1. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the stockpot over medium heat. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned. Remove and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add your onions, celery, and garlic. Cook until the veggies are softened.
3. Add the chicken broth to the pot, followed by the cooked chicken. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. You can use this time to shred the chicken.
4. Add in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions.
5. Once the orzo is cooked, add in the shredded chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Stir until combined and heated through.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and it’s ready to serve.

Tips For The Best Results

• Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a brighter flavor.
• When growing your vegetables, try not to brown them. Just enough to soften them is perfect.
• Always season your chicken before cooking. This helps to bring out more flavor.

Storage Tips

• The soup will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• If freezing, do not add the orzo pasta as it does not freeze well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Yes! Turkey can be used as a great substitute.

Q: What can I use in place of orzo if I have none?
A: Any small pasta shape will work.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: While you can, fresh is always best for maximum flavor.

Q: What if I like a little heat in my soups?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables for a little kick.

Q: Can I freeze the soup?
A: Yes, it freezes well. Just leave out the orzo as it doesn���t reheat well after freezing.

Nutritional Facts of Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup

This soup is pretty healthy. A serving size contains around 185 calories, 30g of protein, 15g of carbohydrates and 3g of fat.

In conclusion, the Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup is hearty, comforting, and easy to make. There’s just something endlessly satisfying about a bowl of this soup with a slice of crusty bread. It���s a simple meal that warms you up from the inside out!