Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly comforting, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful twist on classic chicken soup that’s perfect for any season. Packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory chicken broth, this recipe shines with the refreshing acidity of fresh lemon juice and zest. A hint of dried thyme and a subtle garlic aroma elevate the flavors, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness to the final dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this wholesome one-pot meal is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or soothing cold-weather cravings. Serve it with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a satisfying and revitalizing meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 0.75 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
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. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
Step 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the orzo pasta. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6
Add the cooked shredded chicken to the soup and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 7
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 8
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 9
Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2834.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1326.7 |
| Total Fat 46.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 9.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 405.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4960.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 43.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 18.8g | |
| Protein 178.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 381.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3861.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories