Description
A bright and comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup featuring tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and vibrant lemon zest and juice, perfect for a quick and nourishing meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup celery (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Liquids
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Flavorings and Herbs
- 2 large fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the chicken pieces until browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook and stir until the vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes, to build the soup’s base flavor.
- Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
- Zest It Up: Stir in the fresh juice and zest from 2 large lemons along with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill or parsley to brighten and freshen the soup’s flavor profile.
- Final Touches: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes to meld all flavors together.
- Serve It Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy immediately for a warm and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the soup.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving the bright citrus flavor characteristic of this soup.
- Orzo cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to maintain a pleasant texture.
- Fresh dill and parsley can be used interchangeably depending on your herb preference.
- For a dairy-free version, this recipe is naturally suitable and contains no added dairy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, quick chicken soup, healthy lemon soup, Mediterranean chicken soup, easy chicken dinner
