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5.0 from 24 votes

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This soup features a deliciously rich and nutritious broth with chicken and healthy veggies. It makes terrific leftovers so make a double batch while you're at it!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
6 hrs 15 mins
Total Time
6 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 282 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion , finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 3 carrots , diced
  • 1 large leek , sliced, thoroughly rinsed in colander, and drained
  • 6 cups quality chicken broth
  • 1 pound bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (dark meat/drumsticks and thighs recommended for the best flavor)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup uncooked orzo (or pasta of choice, or rice)
  • or gluten free orzo
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • Juice of one lemon

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the onions until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add the leek, carrots and garlic and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
  2. For Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked veggies to a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredient except for the orzo, dill, and lemon juice. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Remove the chicken pieces, discard the skin and bones and chop the meat into small pieces. Return the chicken to the slow cooker along with the orzo and dill and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Stir in the lemon juice and add salt and pepper to taste.For the Stovetop: Follow the instructions in Step 1. Add the remaining ingredients except for the orzo, dill, and lemon juice. Bring the soup to a boil then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 90 minutes. Remove the chicken pieces, discard the skin and bones and chop the meat into small pieces. Return the chicken to the pot along with the orzo and dill. Simmer for another 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Stir in the lemon juice and add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Nutrition Information

Calories 282kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 24g (8%) Protein 18g (36%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 49mg (16%) Sodium 554mg (23%) Potassium 493mg (14%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 5541IU (111%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 44mg (4%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 282

% Daily Value*

Calories 282kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Protein 18g 36%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 554mg 23%
Potassium 493mg 10%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 5541IU 111%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 44mg 4%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.