Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (Printable Version)

A vibrant soup featuring chicken and orzo, freshened with lemon and herbs for a light, comforting dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 12 ounces total)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Broth & Pasta

06 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 3/4 cup orzo pasta

→ Flavorings

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - Zest of 1 lemon
12 - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
13 - Salt, to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
16 - Lemon wedges, for serving
17 - Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chicken breasts to the pot, pour in chicken broth, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
04 - Remove cooked chicken breasts and set aside to cool. Stir orzo into the simmering broth and cook for 8 minutes until al dente.
05 - Using two forks, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
06 - Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh dill or parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh herbs, a lemon wedge, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in 45 minutes from start to finish which means weeknight friendly
  • Bright lemon flavor perks up the whole dish
  • Simple ingredients but tastes restaurant-worthy
  • Can be dairy-free and easily adapted
  • So satisfying yet light enough not to weigh you down
02 -
  • High in protein from lean chicken
  • Balanced with fresh vegetables and herbs
  • Naturally dairy-free if you leave off the cheese
  • Freezes well for future meals
03 -
  • Sauté the vegetables low and slow at the start for maximum flavor development
  • If you need dinner on the table even quicker try leftover rotisserie chicken
  • Never skip the fresh lemon zest. It is the secret to a truly vibrant flavor that shines even after reheating

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