Description

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a zesty and comforting classic soup filled with tender chicken, flavorful lemon, and al dente orzo pasta. Perfect for soup season or any time you crave a nourishing, bright, and hearty meal, this homemade recipe combines fresh ingredients with simple steps to create a family favorite. The citrus notes add a refreshing twist to traditional chicken soup, making it a standout dish for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
Juice and zest of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

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Instructions

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside. Shred or dice into bite-sized pieces once cooked.
In the same pot, add remaining olive oil. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until tender, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in cooked chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Heat through until flavors meld. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or dill. Optional: add a splash of olive oil or grated Parmesan.

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, avoiding overcooking the orzo.
For longer storage, freeze in portions but avoid adding fresh lemon juice before freezing to maintain flavor integrity.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350 ml)
Calories: 280 Kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 75mg