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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and hearty orzo pasta into a comforting bowl of goodness. This delightful soup is ideal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, as it comes together in under an hour. The fresh vegetables and lean protein make it a nutritious option for the whole family, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
  • 2 medium carrots (peeled & 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 to taste)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté chopped celery, carrots, and onion in a large pot with butter and olive oil over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Pour in chicken broth while stirring until flour dissolves; add Italian seasoning and uncooked chicken breasts, bringing the mixture to a boil.
  4. Cover slightly, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in orzo and cook for another 10 minutes until fully cooked.
  6. Remove the chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot along with lemon juice; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Soup
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 355
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. To customize, feel free to add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer a firmer texture, cook orzo separately.