Description
This Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light and comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken, soft orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion. Enhanced with a splash of lemon juice and zest, it’s a perfect balance of bright and savory flavors, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or cozy lunch options.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ¾ cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and warm it over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes, until they have softened and become fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Pour in chicken broth: Add 8 cups of chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, creating the flavorful base for the soup.
- Add orzo and seasonings: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo becomes tender.
- Add cooked chicken: Mix in the shredded cooked chicken and simmer the soup for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through fully.
- Finish with lemon and parsley: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice from the large lemon, and chopped fresh parsley to brighten up the soup’s flavors.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot for a refreshing and comforting meal.
Notes
- Add lemon juice gradually to prevent overpowering the delicate balance of flavors in the soup.
- Orzo absorbs a lot of liquid; when reheating leftovers, add extra chicken broth or water to restore the soup’s consistency.
- Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken to speed up preparation time.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
