Description
A cozy and zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combining tender chicken, bright lemon juice and zest, and small orzo pasta in a flavorful, comforting broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken pieces to the pot with the vegetables and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns white and begins to brown gently.
- Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Add minced garlic and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add 3/4 cup of orzo pasta to the simmering broth. Cook for 7-9 minutes until tender but firm.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or dill.
Notes
- This soup is great for quick lunches or light dinners.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest according to your taste.
- Grated Parmesan can be added for extra flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, soup, chicken soup, orzo soup, lemon soup