Description
This light, healthy, and cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is made with simple ingredients and fresh flavors. It’s the perfect comforting meal for any day of the week, packed with wholesome veggies, tender chicken, and a tangy lemon twist.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or more to taste)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, sauté the celery, carrots, and onions in butter and olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Then add the flour and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir until the flour dissolves. Add the Italian seasoning and chicken breasts. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Cover the soup (leaving the lid slightly open) and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred or dice it, then return it to the soup. Add the lemon juice (you may add more for extra tang), chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a bit more lemon juice to taste or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
- You can also substitute orzo with another small pasta like ditalini or acini di pepe if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
