Chicken Soup with Orzo

Comforting and flavorful, this Chicken Soup with Orzo is a hearty twist on a beloved classic, perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a cozy meal. Made with tender pieces of chicken, aromatic vegetables, and delicate orzo pasta, this soup is simmered to perfection in a savory chicken stock infused with garlic, thyme, and a hint of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish. The addition of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making every bowl as inviting as it is nourishing. Ready in just 50 minutes, this one-pot recipe is simple to prepare and yields enough to serve the whole family. Pair it with crusty bread for an extra satisfying meal that's sure to warm both body and soul. Keywords: Chicken Soup with Orzo, easy one-pot dinner, chicken orzo recipe, cozy comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Place the chicken breasts into the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 6

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside on a cutting board to cool slightly.

Step 7

Add the orzo pasta to the soup and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 8

While the orzo is cooking, shred the cooled chicken breasts using two forks or chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 9

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 10

Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 11

Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Step 12

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3733.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2154.1

Total Fat 67.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 340.4mg	0%
Sodium 3740.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.4g
Protein 195.7g	0%

Vitamin D 2IU	0%
Calcium 416.4mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 1678.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.3%

Protein: 36.3%

Carbs: 35.4%