lemon orzo chicken soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
lemon orzo chicken soup recipe
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The Best lemon orzo chicken soup recipe

I’m so excited to share this lemon orzo chicken soup recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it. The combination of tangy lemon, savory chicken, and comforting orzo is absolute perfection.

My kids love it when I serve it for lunch or dinner, and I love how easy it is to whip up on a busy day. Plus, the best part is that this soup is packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken breast, whole wheat orzo, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It’s a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to serve at your next family gathering, this lemon orzo chicken soup recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

Just sauté some onions and garlic, add in your chicken and orzo, pour in some broth and lemon juice, and let it simmer until the flavors are nice and rich. It’s truly one of my favorite comfort foods. And the best part?

My kids just devour it! They love when I serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together and how nutritious it is for my family.

We’ve made it countless times over the years, but I still get excited every time we sit down to enjoy it together.

Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

4.7 from 928 votes

A comforting and flavorful soup featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a bright lemon broth. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups spinach, chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
5Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil.
7Reduce heat to medium-low, add orzo pasta, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and thyme.
8Simmer until orzo is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
9Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
10Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
11Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the orzo pasta. For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup Works

This lemon orzo chicken soup recipe is truly one of my go-to meals when I’m short on time but still want something delicious and nutritious for my family. The leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Reheat it on the stovetop with some additional broth if needed – just be sure not to overcook it! For serving ideas, try pairing this soup with some crusty bread on the side (my kids love dipping their bread into the flavorful broth).

You could also serve it as part of a fun family gathering – just think about how much everyone will enjoy sipping from their own bowls while snuggled up together!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

Q: What type of orzo should I use in this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I prefer to use whole wheat orzo for added nutrition and texture. You can also use white orzo if you prefer a more traditional flavor.

Q: Can I substitute chicken breast with thighs?

A: Yes, you can use either boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs in this recipe. Thighs will be slightly more moist than breasts, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q: How long does the soup take to cook?

A: This recipe cooks relatively quickly – about 20-25 minutes total once you’ve browned your chicken and sautéed your onions. Just be sure to let it simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in your freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: Do I need any special equipment?

A: No special equipment needed here – just a large pot or Dutch oven will do!

Q: Is this soup suitable for kids?

A: This soup is kid-friendly through and through – just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.

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