There’s something so comforting and soul-soothing about a bowl of soup, isn’t there? And when it’s a bowl of Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup, it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day! I remember the first time I had this delightful mix of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and chewy orzo. It was on a rainy afternoon at my grandmother’s kitchen, and as soon as I took a sip, I felt all my worries melt away. The bright flavor of lemon combined with the hearty chicken and soft orzo is simply intoxicating.
Since that day, this recipe has been a staple in my kitchen. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet tasty enough to impress friends on a cozy Sunday afternoon. Plus, it’s pretty adaptable! Whether you want to throw in some veggies or spice it up with herbs, it’s hard to go wrong with this comforting bowl. So grab your cozy slippers and join me as I walk you through making this delicious Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup!
What’s in Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup?
Chicken Breast: I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook up tender and flavorful, and you can easily shred them once they’re done. But if you have dark meat on hand, like thighs, feel free to use those for a richer flavor!
Orzo: This little pasta shape is the star of the show! It’s a tiny pasta that resembles rice and holds up beautifully in soup. I like to use whole wheat orzo if I can find it for an extra nutritious boost.
Chicken Broth: The foundation of our soup! Homemade is great, but I often reach for low-sodium store-bought broth to keep things simple. It adds depth and flavor while ensuring the soup doesn’t get too salty.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon is what makes this soup sing! The zest adds fragrance, while the juice gives it that refreshing zing. Trust me, don’t skimp on the lemon!
Carrots and Celery: These classic veggies add sweetness and crunch. They also get softened with the soup, enhancing the overall flavor.
Garlic: A couple of cloves of minced garlic bring in depth and warmth. There’s nothing like the aroma of garlic sautéing in the kitchen!
Fresh Herbs (Dill or Parsley): Either of these herbs makes a lovely finishing touch. I lean toward dill for its fresh and slightly tangy flavor, which complements the lemon well.
Is Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! This soup packs a nutritious punch.
Chicken Breast: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. It helps keep you feeling full and satisfied!
Orzo: Being a pasta, it’s a good source of carbohydrates, giving you energy. Whole wheat versions bring added fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Carrots, for instance, are rich in beta-carotene, which is great for your vision.
Lemon: The bright citrus not only adds flavor but is also high in vitamin C, which is fantastic for boosting your immune system.
Of course, if you’re watching your sodium intake, just be cautious with the broth you choose. You can always water it down a bit if necessary!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 cup dry orzo (or whole wheat orzo)
– 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Spinach or Kale for added greens
This recipe serves about 4 generous bowls, perfect for a cozy dinner or leftovers for lunch!
How to Make Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup?
1. Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until it’s fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Add the uncooked chicken breast to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Stir in the orzo and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente.
7. Add the lemon juice and zest, and give it a good stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Just before serving, stir in the fresh herbs. If you’re adding greens like spinach or kale, toss them in now for a nice wilt.
9. Ladle into bowls and savor the cozy deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions for Extra Comfort
This soup is great on its own, but if you want to elevate it a little more, consider pairing it with a crusty slice of sourdough bread or a bright garden salad for crunch. You might be surprised by how well lemony chicken soup goes with a sprinkle of feta cheese on top!
Feel free to play around with the veggies! Zucchini or peas can also be a delightful addition, especially if you’re looking to customize this for what’s in season or what you have on hand.
I hope you give this Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup a try! It’s one of those recipes that brings a little sunshine to my day and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments—I can’t wait to hear about your cozy experiences with this delightful soup! Happy cooking!
