Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort to any table. This vibrant soup features tender chicken simmered in a savory broth, complemented by fresh veggies and zesty lemon juice. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe promises an explosion of flavor that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté veggies: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic & chicken: Stir in minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, then add chicken breasts. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in broth: Add chicken broth and thyme; bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook the chicken: Reduce heat to simmer, cooking chicken for about 10 minutes until done. Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
- Add orzo: Stir in orzo pasta; simmer until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Finish with lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pot, stir well, and serve hot with parsley garnish if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Customize this soup by adding spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Substitute quinoa for orzo for a gluten-free option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.