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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup made with tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and a bright lemony finish. Perfect for a cozy meal with wholesome ingredients and a touch of Italian seasoning.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 sticks celery chopped finely
  • 2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced

Liquids and Fats

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or to taste

Proteins and Grains

  • 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or to taste
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to blend and cook off the raw flour taste.
  3. Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour completely. Add Italian seasoning and the uncooked chicken breasts. Bring the soup mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer Chicken: Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to blend.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo. Keep the lid off and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
  6. Shred Chicken and Finish Soup: Remove the chicken from the pot and cut into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the soup. Add lemon juice, fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels if preferred.
  • You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small elbow macaroni.
  • Adjust lemon juice according to preference for tanginess.
  • To speed up cooking, precooked rotisserie chicken can be used instead and added at the end.
  • Stir often when cooking orzo to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.