Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe: A Bowl of Sunshine

Crisp Mediterranean winds whisper secrets of this hearty lemon chicken orzo soup that tingles your taste buds with vibrant flavors.

Fragrant herbs dance around tender chicken pieces nestled in a velvety broth.

Orzo pasta adds delightful texture that makes each spoonful unexpectedly satisfying.

Zesty lemon notes brighten the entire dish with sunny warmth.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating comfort in a single bowl.

Comfort cooking meets elegant simplicity in this soul-warming recipe.

You’ll find yourself transported to a cozy Greek kitchen with every comforting bite.

Pairing Suggestions for Lemon Chicken Soup

• Select a crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the soup's bright lemon notes and delicate chicken flavor.
• Serve with crusty sourdough or rustic artisan bread to soak up the brothy goodness and add a delightful textural contrast to the tender orzo and chicken.
• Top with extra fresh parsley or dill sprigs to intensify the soup's herbal undertones and provide a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch that elevates the overall dining experience.
• Prepare a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth and add a fresh, crisp element to the meal.

Flavor Ideas for Orzo Soup Lovers

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap orzo with cauliflower rice or quinoa to create a celiac-friendly alternative. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a complete plant-based transformation. Add extra herbs like rosemary to enhance protein flavor.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate chickpeas for added protein. Include diced zucchini and swap thyme with fresh oregano. Finish with crumbled feta cheese on top for authentic Mediterranean flair.
• Low-Carb Option: Remove orzo entirely and increase vegetable content. Add riced cauliflower instead of pasta. Include additional lean protein like diced chicken breast to maintain nutritional balance.

Questions About This Chicken Soup? Start Here

• What makes orzo different from other pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and has a unique texture, making it perfect for soups and salads. Its small size allows it to absorb flavors well and blend seamlessly into dishes.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with cooked shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even white fish like cod for a different protein option. The soup’s flavor profile works well with various proteins.

• How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini or kale, or increase the spinach quantity. You can also include a scoop of quinoa or add white beans for additional protein and nutrients. Incorporating more greens boosts the soup’s nutritional value.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors develop and improve over time, making it an excellent option for preparing ahead of time. Just store the soup in an airtight container and reheat gently when ready to eat.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup That Lifts the Mood

• Loaded with protein from chicken, vegetables, and spinach, providing a balanced meal that supports overall wellness.
• Perfect for lunch, dinner, or when feeling under the weather, this soup adapts to any mealtime or health need.
• Minimal dishes, simple steps, and straightforward ingredients make this recipe a stress-free cooking experience for busy home chefs.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Olive Oil: Provides the base for sauteing vegetables and adds a subtle flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation of the soup with rich, savory depth.
• Chicken Breasts: Main protein source, tender and mild for a comforting soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with sweet and earthy undertones, adds nutrition and texture.
• Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor and depth to the soup.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano: Herbaceous seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle, complex background flavor to the broth.

• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that adds heartiness and texture to the soup.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy notes that provide freshness and balance.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a delicate leafy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnish that provides a fresh, herbal finish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing flavors.

How to Simmer Up This Citrusy Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook until vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 2: Build Flavorful Broth

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a rolling boil. Gently place whole chicken breasts into the liquid. Lower heat, cover the pot, and simmer until chicken is completely cooked through, around 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Tender Chicken

Transfer chicken from broth to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken back to the simmering pot.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Add uncooked orzo pasta to the broth. Continue simmering until pasta reaches al dente texture, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Brighten with Citrus and Greens

Stir in fresh lemon zest and squeeze lemon juice into the soup. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt and turn vibrant green, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Season soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference. Remove bay leaf. Ladle soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Orzo Texture

• Boost Vegetable Flavor: Saute vegetables in olive oil until they caramelize slightly, releasing deeper, richer flavors that enhance the overall soup taste.
• Protect Chicken Moisture: Avoid overcooking chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, keeping the meat tender and juicy without becoming dry.
• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Stir orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent pasta from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot, ensuring even cooking and smooth texture.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free orzo to make the soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance Brightness: Add fresh lemon zest at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant citrus aroma and maximize the bright, fresh flavor profile of the soup.

Storage & Reheat Notes for Chicken Orzo Soup

• Store leftover lemon chicken orzo soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Keep orzo separate from soup when storing. Add fresh orzo when reheating to maintain texture.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Mediterranean flavors dance through this lemon chicken orzo soup, delivering a zesty symphony of wholesome ingredients. Hearty chicken, tender orzo, and bright citrus notes create a soul-warming bowl that welcomes you to savor each nourishing spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Liquid, Herbs, Spices, and Pasta:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom.
2. Introduce diced onion, carrots, and celery, transforming them until they soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf, allowing their fragrance to permeate the vegetables for a brief moment.
4. Cascade chicken broth into the pot, elevating the liquid to a vigorous boil.
5. Gently lower whole chicken breasts into the bubbling broth, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
6. Cloak the pot with a lid, allowing chicken to poach until completely cooked through, roughly 15-20 minutes.
7. Extract chicken from the liquid, using two forks to meticulously deconstruct the meat into delicate shreds.
8. Reintroduce shredded chicken to the simmering broth.
9. Sprinkle orzo pasta into the liquid, continuing to simmer until pasta reaches a tender consistency.
10. Awaken the soup’s brightness by stirring in vibrant lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice.
11. Cascade fresh spinach leaves into the pot, watching them wilt and integrate seamlessly.
12. Calibrate the soup’s flavor profile with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal preference.
13. Pluck out the bay leaf to prevent any unexpected bitter notes.
14. Ladle the aromatic soup into serving vessels, crowning each with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and satisfies plant-based diets.
• Add a splash of white wine during vegetable sauteing to enhance the soup’s depth and complexity of flavor.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of orzo for gluten-free alternatives that provide similar texture and nutritional value.
• Frozen spinach works perfectly if fresh isn’t available, just squeeze out excess moisture before adding to prevent watering down the soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 73 g
• Fiber: 11 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg