Description
This Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo is a bright and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces, nutritious vegetables, and zesty lemon flavors. Cooked on the stovetop, it’s a perfect warm meal for any day, combining nourishing broth, orzo pasta, and fresh herbs for a refreshing yet hearty experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Flavorings & Herbs
- 2 large fresh lemons, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chicken pieces. Sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot with the chicken. Cook and stir until the vegetables begin to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
- Zest It Up: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh dill or parsley to infuse bright citrus flavors into the soup.
- Final Touches: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Serve It Hot: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the soup.
- You can substitute dill with parsley depending on your flavor preference.
- If orzo is unavailable, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or couscous can work as alternatives.
- This soup can be easily doubled if cooking for a larger group.
- For a creamier texture, a splash of cream or Greek yogurt can be added just before serving.
