Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting bowl of goodness, perfect for chilly days or when you need a little extra care. This hearty soup features tender chicken, chewy orzo pasta, and a refreshing burst of lemon that will awaken your senses. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s the ideal dish for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 fresh lemons (juiced)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the carrots and celery finely.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté carrots, celery, and garlic for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Stir in orzo pasta and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pot before serving and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Substitute orzo with quinoa or rice for a different texture. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients. For enhanced flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley.