Make this bright, zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. It is a comforting, easy, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or when you need genuine comfort food.
Author:rosasterling
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups nourishing chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook according to package directions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Heat through for 2 minutes; do not boil after adding lemon juice.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use rotisserie chicken for your shredded chicken.
If you prefer a creamy chicken orzo soup, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or milk during the last step.
This recipe makes excellent soup meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.