Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe for Comforting Nights

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is like a warm hug on a cold day, bursting with zesty flavors and comforting textures. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you can almost hear it whispering, “Eat me!” This delightful dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’ve just come home from work. You throw off your coat, kick off your shoes, and head straight to the kitchen. The thought of making Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup fills you with anticipation—its bright citrus notes mingling with savory chicken create an irresistible flavor explosion that warms your soul.

When I first made this soup for my family, their delighted expressions were priceless—they devoured every last drop! It became an instant favorite that we now enjoy regularly during colder months.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves; they add a punch of flavor that elevates the soup.

• Carrots: Choose vibrant, crunchy carrots; they bring sweetness and color to the mix.

• Celery Stalks: Fresh celery adds a nice crunch and balances the flavors beautifully.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while maintaining rich flavor.

• Orzo Pasta: This small pasta cooks quickly and perfectly absorbs all the delicious broth.

• Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the soup; zest intensifies that citrusy goodness.

• Fresh Herbs (Thyme & Parsley): Fresh herbs enhance flavor; they make everything taste more vibrant and fresh.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the vegetables—carrots and celery should be diced finely while garlic gets minced into tiny bits. Gather all ingredients so you won’t be scrambling later!

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle a splash of olive oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant—about 4 minutes should do it.

Add Chicken & Broth: Toss in those beautiful chicken breasts along with your chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil while seasoning generously with salt and pepper.

Incorporate Veggies & Orzo: Once boiling, stir in the diced carrots, celery, minced garlic, and orzo. Cook for another 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente; trust me—the smell will have you salivating!

Lemon Time!: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into your pot along with its zest. Stir well to combine everything together; this is where your soup transforms into something magical.

Add Fresh Herbs & Serve!: Finally, stir in chopped thyme and parsley before serving hot in bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with extra herbs for that Instagram-worthy touch!

Now grab a spoon because it’s time to dig into this delightful bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup! It’s not just food; it’s comfort wrapped up in a delicious package ready to warm your heart!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors, then cook orzo while simmering your broth and veggies together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out orzo for rice or add leafy greens like spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Cooking this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup reminds me of rainy days spent with family, gathering around the table to share stories and laughter while savoring every spoonful.

FAQ

Can I make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day before to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I use instead of orzo in this soup?

Try using rice or even quinoa as a gluten-free alternative.

How do I store leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. With bright citrus flavors, tender chicken, and chewy orzo, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. Easy to prepare and highly customizable with seasonal veggies and fresh herbs, it’s a delightful addition to any family dinner.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by dicing the carrots and celery and mincing the garlic.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent (about 4 minutes).
3. Add chicken breasts and broth; bring to a gentle boil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in diced carrots, celery, garlic, and orzo. Cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente.
5. Squeeze in lemon juice and zest; stir well.
6. Incorporate fresh herbs before serving hot in bowls.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For an extra flavor boost, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth. Feel free to swap orzo for rice or add leafy greens like spinach for added nutrition.