Description
A comforting and flavorful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup featuring tender chicken breasts, chewy orzo pasta, and a bright hint of lemon, simmered with aromatic vegetables in a savory chicken broth.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fats & Oils
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
Protein
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma. Then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for another minute to form a roux that will help thicken the soup.
- Combine Broth and Chicken: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to dissolve the flour smoothly. Add the Italian seasoning and the chicken breasts to the pot, then bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to cook the chicken through and meld flavors.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot bottom, until the orzo is tender.
- Finish Soup: Remove the chicken breasts from the soup, shred or cut them into bite-sized pieces, then return them to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper according to taste. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a zestier lemon flavor, gradually add more lemon juice to suit your taste preference.
- Stir frequently when cooking the orzo to avoid sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot.
- You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level.
- Shredding the chicken instead of cutting can create a different texture that some may prefer.
- This soup is delicious served with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
