Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
User Reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
5 servings
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Calories
373 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the upgrade your chicken soup game needs—creamy, tangy, and packed with vibrant flavor! Simple ingredients like chicken, veggies, and orzo pasta come together in a bright, lemony broth that’s anything but boring.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 small sweet onion diced
- 3 medium carrots peeled and cut into ¼-inch slices
- 3 celery ribs diced
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 4- to 5-ounce pieces
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice from 2-3 lemons
- 4 cups baby spinach loosely packed, thinly sliced
- fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped, optional
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Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Drain in a colander.
- Add the butter to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the butter begins to melt, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, honey, rosemary, thyme, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken to the pot, making sure each piece is completely immersed in the liquid. Turn the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred it using two forks.
- Whisk together the milk and cornstarch in a medium bowl until no clumps remain. Add this to the pot along with the shredded chicken, orzo, lemon zest, lemon juice, and spinach. Increase heat to medium and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
- Serve soup immediately with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Orzo Tips: Cook the orzo separately if you’re planning for leftovers to prevent it from soaking up too much broth. Add it to individual bowls when reheating.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons are key for the best flavor—don’t skip the zest, as it adds an extra layer of brightness to the soup.
- Adjusting Spice: Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but you can reduce or omit them if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk for a plant-based alternative and use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Freezing Instructions: This soup freezes well without the orzo and spinach. Add freshly cooked orzo and spinach after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
373kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
46g
(15%)
Protein
27g
(54%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
76mg
(25%)
Sodium
1641mg
(68%)
Potassium
767mg
(22%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
6894IU
(138%)
Vitamin C
19mg
(21%)
Calcium
141mg
(14%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 373 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 373kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 76mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 1641mg | 68% |
| Potassium | 767mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 6894IU | 138% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 141mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* 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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