Sunshine in a Bowl: Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Creamy and comforting lemon chicken orzo soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with its bright, zesty flavors.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of tender chicken and delicate pasta.

Fragrant herbs whisper promises of nourishment and home-cooked goodness.

Nutritious broth carries memories of grandmother’s kitchen, inviting you to slow down and savor each spoonful.

Simmering with simplicity, this soup promises healing and satisfaction in every bite.

Restaurants might charge premium prices, but you can craft this elegant dish right in your own kitchen.

Why Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Warms Hearts

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken and vegetables, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that supports your body's health and energy needs.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delightful soup in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, zesty, and hearty, this lemon chicken orzo soup provides ultimate comfort with its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients that hug your taste buds.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with additional herbs or vegetables, this recipe works wonderfully for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides the hearty base for this comforting soup.

• Garlic, Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that build a rich and flavorful foundation.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Herbs that add depth and earthy warmth to the soup.

• Chicken Stock, Water: Create the liquid foundation of the soup.
• Bay Leaves: Provide a subtle, aromatic background note.

• Orzo: Small pasta that adds substance and texture to the soup.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, fresh citrus flavor to balance the rich chicken.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, green finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

How To Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Thighs

Grab your chicken thighs and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame and cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Once done, set the chicken aside.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Vegetable Base

Add another splash of olive oil to the same pot.

• Garlic
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

Sprinkle in thyme and let it release its wonderful aroma for about a minute.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in chicken stock and add bay leaves.

Splash in a cup of water and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

This will create a delicious flavor base for your soup.

Step 4: Cook Orzo and Chicken

Add orzo and rosemary to the bubbling liquid.

Drop the golden chicken back into the pot.

Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently.

The orzo will become perfectly tender in about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Brighten with Citrus and Herbs

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup and scatter chopped parsley throughout.

Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Enjoy the comforting, zesty flavors of this homemade lemon chicken orzo soup!

Tips For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Marinate chicken thighs in herbs and lemon zest for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Rinse orzo before adding to prevent starchy clumping and ensure a light, fluffy consistency in the soup.
• Add fresh parsley and rosemary at the end of cooking to maintain vibrant color and maximum flavor profile.
• Replace orzo with quinoa or rice for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the soup's delicious character.
• Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for easy weeknight dinners or quick lunch solutions.

Flavor Enhancements For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Soup: Replace orzo with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that adds nutty flavor and extra nutrition.
• Vegetarian Lemon Chickpea Soup: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas and use vegetable stock for a plant-based version that maintains the zesty lemon profile.
• Dairy-Free Healing Soup: Omit dairy ingredients and use additional herbs like oregano and sage to create a light, immune-boosting soup perfect for recovery.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Soup: Substitute orzo with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the bright, lemony chicken essence intact.

Suggested Pairings For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Gather everyone around the table and enjoy this comforting soup as a hearty main course with crusty bread on the side.
• Zesty Lunch Companion: Pack this soup in a thermos for a warming midday meal at work or school, adding extra fresh parsley on top for brightness.
• Mediterranean-Style Spread: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad and warm pita bread to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired dining experience that highlights the soup's lemony flavors.
• Garnish Elegance: Top each bowl with extra fresh parsley, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to elevate the soup's presentation and add depth to its taste.

Storage Guidelines For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing orzo as it might become mushy upon thawing.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken stock if soup seems thick. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs

• What kind of chicken works best for this soup?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay tender and moist during cooking, providing more flavor than chicken breasts.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular orzo with gluten-free orzo or replace it with quinoa or rice to keep the soup’s texture similar.

• How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?

Add orzo towards the end of cooking and stir occasionally. Cook just until tender, around 10-12 minutes, to maintain its perfect texture.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! The combination of protein from chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, and herbs provides a balanced, nutrient-rich meal that’s also low in calories.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mediterranean lemon chicken orzo soup delivers comforting warmth with zesty citrus notes and tender chicken. Mediterranean herbs and creamy broth invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic, nourishing dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs

Vegetables:

• 1 onion
• 3 carrots
• 2 celery ribs
• 3 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 sprig rosemary
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken thighs with salt and pepper for robust flavor profile.
2. Warm olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat, searing chicken until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side; transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same stockpot, sauté minced garlic, diced onions, chopped carrots, and sliced celery until vegetables become tender and translucent, roughly 4 minutes.
4. Introduce fresh thyme to the vegetable mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate for approximately 45-60 seconds.
5. Pour chicken stock and water into the pot, incorporating bay leaves; bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
6. Gently add orzo pasta, fresh rosemary sprigs, and previously seared chicken; reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
7. Brighten the soup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
8. Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls and enjoy immediately while flavors are vibrant and components remain tender.

Notes

• Enhance chicken flavor by marinating thighs in herbs and lemon zest for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste profile.
• Swap chicken thighs with shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu for quick protein alternatives that save preparation time.
• Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa to make the soup celiac-friendly and maintain similar texture and nutritional value.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken stock and adding salt gradually while tasting to prevent over-seasoning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg