Description
Bright and comforting, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect blend of hearty chicken, tender orzo pasta, and a burst of citrusy lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is a quick and satisfying meal that will warm your soul.
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end of cooking.
- You can substitute orzo with rice or small pasta shells if desired.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: lemon chicken orzo soup, chicken soup, lemon soup, comforting soup recipe, easy soup recipe