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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 64 reviews

This comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and orzo pasta in a flavorful broth brightened with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is simple to make on the stovetop and offers a balance of hearty and refreshing flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Fat

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo

Seasoning & Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
  2. Add garlic and flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for about another minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  3. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to dissolve the flour into the liquid. Add the Italian seasoning and place the uncooked chicken breasts into the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, and simmer the soup for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
  5. Cook the orzo: Uncover the pot and stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom, until the pasta is tender.
  6. Shred chicken and finish soup: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the soup, then stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Stir the orzo frequently while cooking to avoid sticking to the pot.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on preference for brightness and acidity.
  • You can use pre-cooked shredded chicken to shorten cooking time, adding it after the broth is heated.
  • Feel free to swap orzo with other small pasta shapes if preferred.
  • Fresh parsley adds vibrant color and freshness but can be omitted or replaced with dried herbs.

Keywords: lemon chicken orzo soup, chicken soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, healthy chicken soup, lemon soup, orzo pasta soup

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe/