Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Savory and Comforting Bowl

If you’re craving a warm, hearty bowl of comfort, look no further! Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is easy to make and bursting with flavor. With simple ingredients like fresh veggies, tender chicken, and zesty lemon, this recipe hits the spot every time. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, I'll guide you through each step to create the perfect cozy meal. Ready to dive in? Let's get started!

Ingredients

Complete Ingredients List

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 2 carrots, diced

- 2 celery stalks, diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 8 cups chicken broth

- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

- 1 lemon, zested and juiced

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

To make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, gather these simple items. Each one adds flavor and nutrition.

Olive oil is key for sautéing. It creates a tasty base for your soup. You will need 1 tablespoon to get started.

Next, onion, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix. This trio gives depth to your soup. Dice 1 medium onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks for a fresh start.

Garlic is a must in this recipe. Use 3 cloves, minced, to boost flavor.

For the broth, grab 8 cups of chicken broth. This will make your soup warm and hearty.

Now for the star, orzo pasta. You will need 1 cup of uncooked orzo. It cooks up soft and pairs well with the chicken.

Speaking of chicken, use 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded. This adds protein and makes the soup filling.

A bright touch comes from 1 lemon. Zest and juice it for a fresh taste that lifts the soup.

For herbs, add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano. These spices bring warmth and aroma.

Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This helps balance all the flavors in the soup.

Finally, add greens. Use 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale, chopped. This gives color and nutrition.

Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, for a final touch. It adds brightness and a fresh finish to every bowl.

Now you have everything you need to make this lovely soup!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Vegetables

First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 medium diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften but not brown. This mix forms a great base for your soup.

Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for another minute. The garlic will add a nice aroma and flavor to your soup.

Cooking the Soup

Now it's time to add the main liquid. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. The broth adds depth and richness to the soup.

Once the broth boils, add 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta, along with 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Don't forget to sprinkle in the zest from 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. These spices enhance the soup's flavor.

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. This time is enough for the orzo to cook until al dente, giving it a nice bite.

Finishing Touches

After simmering, stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach or kale. This will add color and nutrients to your dish. Next, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon. This step brightens the flavor and gives the soup a fresh taste.

Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once satisfied, serve it hot. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

To make the best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, pay attention to your cooking times. Start by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery for five minutes. This softens the veggies and brings out their sweet flavor. Add garlic next and cook for just one more minute. Garlic cooks fast, so don’t let it burn.

When you add the chicken broth, bring it to a boil. This step is key before adding the orzo. Let the orzo cook for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be tender but still firm. Stir in the greens for just a few minutes to keep them vibrant.

To enhance flavors, use fresh herbs if you can. Dried thyme and oregano are great, but fresh herbs add brightness. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving lifts the soup. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. A pinch of salt or pepper can make a big difference.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with crusty bread or a light salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup well. This adds a fresh crunch to the meal.

For garnishing, fresh parsley works wonders. Sprinkle it on top for color and flavor. You might also try adding a lemon wedge on the side. This lets everyone add more zing to their bowl.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can change the protein in this soup. Try turkey if you want a twist. Tofu works great for a plant-based option. Both add their own unique flavor.

You can also swap the greens. Spinach is tender and mild. Kale gives a hearty bite. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can brighten the dish, too.

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free orzo. Many brands make it from rice or corn. This way, you get the same comfort without the gluten.

Want to make it dairy-free? Skip any cheese garnishes. The soup is still creamy and rich with just lemon and chicken. You won’t miss the dairy at all!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

To keep your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to seal in the flavor. Make sure the soup cools down before you put it in the fridge. This helps keep it safe to eat. It’s best to eat the soup within three to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a smart option.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is easy. First, let the soup cool completely. Once cool, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because the soup will expand when it freezes. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. To thaw the soup, place it in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, you can use the microwave. When ready to eat, heat it on the stove until hot. Make sure to stir well and check the temperature before serving.

FAQs

How to make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

To make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, follow these steps:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot on medium heat.

2. Add 1 medium diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute.

4. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil.

5. Add 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta, 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is al dente.

7. Stir in 2 cups of chopped spinach or kale and the juice of 1 lemon. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make this soup in advance. To store it, let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it on the stove until warm. You may need to add a little broth or water, as the orzo can absorb liquid.

What can I serve with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas:

- Fresh crusty bread or a warm baguette

- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

- Garlic bread for a flavorful crunch

- A side of roasted vegetables for added nutrients

These options will enhance your soup experience and make it even more delightful. Enjoy!

This blog showed you how to make tasty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. We covered each step, from sautéing veggies to adding spices. I shared tips for perfecting flavors and offered variations for different diets. Don't forget about storage advice to keep leftovers fresh.

Enjoy making this comforting dish and share it with friends. You can impress anyone with your new soup skills!