Description
Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful dish that combines the zesty flavor of lemon, tender chicken, and comforting orzo pasta. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 2 Chicken Breasts
Pasta
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
Broth
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
Lemon
- 1 Lemon (Juiced and Zested)
Vegetables
- 2 Carrots (Diced)
- 2 Celery Stalks (Diced)
- 1 Onion (Chopped)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery until they soften and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Chicken: Introduce your chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Cook the Orzo: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, add the orzo, and let it cook until tender, following the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Flavor It Up: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a few more minutes for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Enjoy your cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup warm!
Notes
- Use Quality Broth: A good-quality chicken broth makes a world of difference in flavor and richness.
- Don’t Overcook Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo as it can become mushy if cooked too long.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop your veggies and chicken ahead of time for an even quicker preparation.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can add delightful new flavors.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust your seasoning for the best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg