Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and zesty dish, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Featuring tender shredded chicken, vibrant lemon zest and juice, and delicate orzo pasta in a flavorful chicken broth with sautéed vegetables, this soup comes together quickly in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2 medium Carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks Celery, sliced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 cups Chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded
Flavoring
- 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant, adding a rich aroma to the base.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which will help meld the flavors.
- Cook orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the simmering soup and cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add chicken and lemon: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Continue cooking until everything is heated through, infusing the soup with bright citrus notes.
- Season and garnish: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your taste, then stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the chicken and lemon.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity based on your preference for tartness.
- Orzo can be substituted with other small pasta shapes if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lemon chicken soup, Orzo soup, Chicken orzo soup, Easy chicken soup, Comfort food, Lemon flavored soup
