Low Sodium Chicken Orzo Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Low Sodium Chicken Orzo Soup, a heart-healthy twist on a classic favorite. Packed with tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, and the delicate texture of orzo pasta, this soup is flavored with aromatic dried herbs like oregano and thyme for a savory depth without the extra salt. A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens every spoonful, while chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make recipe comes together in under an hour and serves six. Enjoy all the flavor you love in a wholesome, low-sodium option that's perfect for dietary needs or simply lighter eating!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the unsalted chicken stock. Add the dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.

Step 6

Return the browned chicken breasts to the pot, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Discard any excess bones or fat and return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 8

Stir in the orzo pasta and continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 9

Add in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, keeping it low in sodium.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3023.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1984.2

Total Fat 53.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 385.6mg	0%
Sodium 861.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.4g	0%
Total Sugars 16.4g
Protein 179.4g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 449.0mg	0%
Iron 17.8mg	0%
Potassium 2991.2mg	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: 24.4%

Protein: 36.6%

Carbs: 39.0%