Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Prepare your ingredients by dicing the carrots and celery and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent (about 4 minutes).
- Add chicken breasts and broth; bring to a gentle boil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in diced carrots, celery, garlic, and orzo. Cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and zest; stir well.
- 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.