Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
User Reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 -6 servings
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Calories
520 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Soup
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Cuisine
Italian
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
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You will LOVE this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup! It perfectly balances comfort and freshness. The tender chicken, hearty orzo, and classic vegetables create a warm, satisfying base, while the lemon juice adds a bright, zesty twist that lifts all the flavors. It's the soup that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day but still tastes light and refreshing.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch chunks (or use chicken breast, cooked shredded chicken, or leftover rotisserie chicken)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery ribs diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken stock or chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 prig rosemary
- 2-4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- chopped fresh parsley leaves for serving
- freshly grated parmigiano reggiano optional for serving
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear chicken until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add olive oil and butter in the same pot. Sauté garlic, onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer Broth: Stir in thyme, chicken broth, bay leaves, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo to the pot and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Chicken and Lemon Juice: Return chicken to the pot and stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and top with Parmigiano Reggiano, if desired.
Notes
- Sear the Chicken Well: Browning the chicken adds depth and richness to the soup. Don’t skip this step—it locks in flavor!
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings the best brightness and fresh flavor to the soup.
- Cook Orzo Separately (Optional): If you prefer the orzo to remain firmer, cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth.
- Add Lemon Juice Gradually: Start with 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice, taste the soup, and add more as needed to balance the flavor.
- Make it Ahead: The flavors develop even more if made beforehand. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but remember that the orzo may absorb more broth. Add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
520kcal
(26%)
Carbohydrates
48g
(16%)
Protein
37g
(74%)
Fat
20g
(31%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
126mg
(42%)
Sodium
665mg
(28%)
Potassium
908mg
(26%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
5318IU
(106%)
Vitamin C
11mg
(12%)
Calcium
58mg
(6%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 520 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 520kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 126mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 665mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 908mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 5318IU | 106% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 58mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
12 reviews
Excellent
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