Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

why make this recipe

This Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a fantastic dish for anyone looking for a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients that create a fresh and hearty soup. The combination of lemon, chicken, and orzo makes it taste bright and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeling under the weather. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!

how to make Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 clove garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add orzo and cooked chicken, then simmer until the orzo is al dente.
6. Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Serve this soup hot in bowls, and consider pairing it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad. The fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch and extra flavor.

how to store Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

To store the soup, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cook the orzo separately if you plan to freeze the soup, as it can become mushy when reheated.

tips to make Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste if you enjoy a bolder flavor.
• Use homemade chicken broth for an even richer taste.

variation

You can make this soup with different types of pasta if you don’t have orzo. Small shapes like ditalini or bow ties work well too. Additionally, swapping out chicken for turkey or even a plant-based protein can create a different but delicious meal.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just cook it in the pot with the vegetables before adding the broth.

Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free orzo or any gluten-free pasta.

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, the soup can be made in advance. Just keep in mind that the orzo may soak up some broth as it sits, so you may need to add more liquid when reheating.

Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This comforting and flavorful soup combines lemon, chicken, and orzo for a bright and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or when you're feeling under the weather.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth Homemade is recommended for richer taste
• 1 cup orzo pasta Can be substituted with other small pasta types
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Leftover chicken works well
• 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested Adds brightness to the soup
• to taste none Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
• to taste none Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cooking

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2. Add orzo and cooked chicken, then simmer until the orzo is al dente.
3. Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To store the soup, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Cook orzo separately if freezing.