Imagine a bowl of warmth and comfort that not only fills your belly but also brightens your day—welcome to Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup! This delightful American classic combines tender chicken, hearty orzo, and a zesty twist of lemon, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you're battling a chilly evening or simply craving something wholesome, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to discover how to create this mouthwatering soup in just 35 minutes? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, chopping onion, dicing carrots and celery, and mincing garlic.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add diced chicken breast to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken turns white and is nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add orzo pasta to the pot and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until pasta is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove pot from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, which will brighten the soup's flavor profile.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a lemon wedge for extra zest.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your vegetables and dice the chicken in advance. This will streamline your cooking process and keep things organized.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t rush the sautéing step! Allowing the onions, carrots, and celery to soften and caramelize will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
- Chicken Cook Time: Ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding the broth. You can check for doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be white all the way through.
- Perfect Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the orzo. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Brighten It Up: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest along with the juice. This will intensify the lemony goodness and make your soup even more refreshing.
- Garnish for Appeal: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the soup's aroma and flavor.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg
