Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks celery (chopped finely); 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely); 1/2 medium onion (chopped); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts; 1 cup uncooked orzo; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste); Salt & pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is light yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its bright lemony notes and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and zesty lemon creates a deliciously balanced dish.
Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with protein and nutrients, this soup is both healthy and hearty.
Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand to customize the soup to your taste.
Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this tasty lemon chicken orzo soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large soup pot
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Why These Tools Matter

Large soup pot: A good-sized pot allows even cooking and prevents spills while stirring.
Sharp knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables, which helps them cook evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance.

Ingredients

This lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is light, healthy, and cozy. It uses wholesome everyday ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:
– 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
– 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
– 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 2 tablespoons flour
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
– 1 cup uncooked orzo
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
– Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Sauté the celery, carrots, and onions in a large soup pot with the butter and oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Then, add the flour, cooking for another minute to combine well.

Step 3: Pour in Broth

Pour in the chicken broth while stirring until the flour has dissolved. Add the Italian seasoning along with the uncooked chicken breasts. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Cover the soup with a lid slightly open, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cook Orzo

Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta directly into the pot. Cook for another 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the chicken from the pot; chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it back into the soup. Mix in lemon juice (adjusting to taste), parsley, and season with salt & pepper as needed. Serve hot!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Serving Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is all about enhancing its fresh and comforting flavors. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the soup’s zestiness wonderfully.

Add a Side Salad

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing add a crunchy contrast to the soup.
Greek Salad: Feta cheese, olives, and tomatoes bring Mediterranean flavors that pair nicely.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Extra Parsley: Sprinkling more fresh parsley on top adds color and freshness.
Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten up each bowl even more.

How to Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Perfecting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup involves a few simple tips to enhance its taste and texture. Follow these suggestions to make your soup even better.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs significantly improve the flavor profile of your soup.
Adjust Seasoning Carefully: Taste as you go; adding salt and pepper gradually helps find the right balance.
Cook Orzo Al Dente: To avoid mushy pasta, cook orzo until just tender before adding it back into the soup.
Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help meld the flavors together.
Experiment with Vegetables: Adding vegetables like spinach or kale can increase nutrition and add variety.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

To complement your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, consider serving it with these delightful side dishes. They enhance the meal while providing a variety of textures and flavors.

Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring depth and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the lemony broth.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds a healthy touch and chewy texture.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or beans serve as a filling side option.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits baked with cheese are excellent for soaking up the delicious soup.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer bright Italian flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, avoiding common errors can enhance your dish and ensure great results.

Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing the vegetables enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this process; it’s key to a delicious soup.
Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your soup can lead to blandness. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
Overcooking the orzo: Cooking orzo too long makes it mushy. Follow the package instructions and keep an eye on it towards the end of cooking.
Using low-quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup. Choose a good quality chicken broth for richer flavor.
Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Add it just before serving for maximum freshness and aroma.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup so comforting?

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is comforting due to its warm flavors, hearty ingredients, and nourishing chicken broth, making it perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or kale, substitute different proteins, or adjust the lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

How long does Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup last in the fridge?

This soup lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and wholesome carbs from orzo, making it a nutritious choice.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it. Just remember that orzo may soak up liquid over time; you might need to add more broth when reheating.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is not only light and healthy but also cozy enough to warm you up on chilly days. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the lemon flavor. Give this delightful recipe a try; you’ll love it!