Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Introduction

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the epitome of a comforting, flavorful dish. When I first tried it, I was immediately taken by the balance of the savory chicken and vegetables with the tangy, bright burst of lemon. The orzo pasta adds the perfect texture, making the soup hearty yet light at the same time. It’s a soup that truly brings warmth, and it’s one of those recipes that’s ideal for any time of the year, whether you’re craving something light and refreshing in the summer or need a comforting bowl of goodness during colder months.

The family absolutely loved it. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, lemony broth was a hit. Plus, the addition of fresh parsley and rosemary added a beautiful freshness and depth to the soup, which elevated the dish. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, making it a great weeknight meal that feels special yet simple. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing it for meal prep, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup will not disappoint.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The seasoning will help enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken chunks and cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. This helps to sear the chicken and lock in the flavor.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the dried thyme and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, releasing its flavors into the pot.
4. Add the Broth and Bring to a Boil:
   Whisk in the chicken stock, bay leaves, and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook the Orzo and Chicken:
   Once the soup is boiling, stir in the orzo pasta and rosemary sprig. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Finish with Lemon and Parsley:
   Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. The lemon juice gives the soup its bright, zesty flavor, while the parsley adds a burst of freshness.
7. Serve:
   Serve the soup immediately, enjoying the comforting warmth of the soup with its fresh, citrusy kick.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, makes 6 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Course: This soup is hearty and filling, making it an ideal main dish. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
• For Meal Prep: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and maintains its delicious flavor.
• With a Side of Fresh Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a light, buttered baguette to soak up the flavorful broth.
• As a Comforting Dinner: Perfect for cozy nights in, serve it as a comforting dinner after a busy day.

Additional Tips

1. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have bone-in chicken thighs, they work wonderfully in this recipe. You can remove the bones after cooking to add extra flavor to the broth.
2. Adjust the Broth Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken stock slightly, or add a bit more orzo. If you prefer a thinner broth, add more stock or water.
3. Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper while cooking the vegetables.
4. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
5. Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs and skip the oil. You can also use low-sodium chicken stock for less sodium.

Recipe Variations

• Use Brown Rice Instead of Orzo: If you prefer, you can substitute brown rice for the orzo pasta. However, remember that rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
• Add More Veggies: Add extra vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or peas for additional texture and nutrition.
• Herb Variations: If you prefer different herbs, you can substitute thyme and rosemary with parsley or dill for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Use Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the soup in addition to the juice.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Fresh Salad: Pair this hearty soup with a fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad complements the creamy texture of the soup beautifully.
• With Grilled Bread: Serve alongside some grilled or toasted bread. A slice of toasted sourdough or French baguette would be perfect for dipping.
• With a Light Dessert: After the soup, consider a light dessert like fruit sorbet or a fresh lemon pound cake for a refreshing finish to your meal.
• For a More Filling Meal: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad for a complete, nutritious meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, adding a little more broth or water to adjust the consistency.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
• Meal Prep: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge, and the flavors continue to develop over time, making it even better the next day.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, chicken breasts work well too. They will cook a little quicker and result in a leaner soup.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
   If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup to ensure it cooks properly.
3. Can I use another type of pasta?
   Yes, you can substitute orzo with another small pasta, such as ditalini or small shells.
4. Can I add potatoes to this soup?
   Yes, diced potatoes would be a great addition. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding the pasta.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat and add extra broth if needed.
6. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious.
7. How can I make this soup spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped chili pepper for a kick of heat.
8. Can I use fresh or dried herbs?
   Fresh herbs work best in this recipe, but you can use dried herbs if needed. Use about 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh herbs.
9. Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
   Yes, vegetable stock works perfectly if you want a vegetarian version of this soup.
10. Can I add beans to this soup?
    Yes, beans such as white beans or chickpeas would be a great addition for extra protein and texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Or

zo Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the brightness of lemon with the heartiness of chicken and orzo. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this soup is guaranteed to impress. With its balance of savory and citrusy flavors, it’s a dish that’s both refreshing and filling. Try it today, and you’ll have a meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

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