Sunshine Sip: Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of zesty lemon chicken orzo soup that warms every corner of your soul.

Cold days demand something special from the kitchen.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside tender chicken pieces and plump orzo pasta.

Mediterranean flavors weave through each spoonful, creating a symphony of comfort and nutrition.

This soup delivers a perfect balance between richness and lightness.

Packed with protein and vibrant ingredients, it promises to become your new cold-weather favorite.

Grab a ladle and let’s transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Tools That Work For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup and sautéing vegetables.
• Two forks: Perfect for shredding the cooked chicken into tender pieces.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for dicing onions, carrots, and cutting parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately adding herbs and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Ladle: Used for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Easy Instructions For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Kick Off the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot and toss in diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the veggies become soft and start releasing their delicious aromas.

• Spice Things Up

Sprinkle in minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and drop in a bay leaf. Let these ingredients dance together for a minute, creating a mouthwatering fragrance.

• Bring the Liquid Gold

Pour chicken broth into the pot and let it bubble up. Gently lower chicken breasts into the liquid and let them simmer quietly under a cozy lid until perfectly cooked.

• Shred and Reunite

Pull out the chicken and tear it into delicate strands using two forks. Return these tender pieces back to their brothy home.

• Pasta Party

Drop orzo into the pot and let it swim around until it turns perfectly tender and plump.

• Brighten the Mood

Zap in some lemon zest and juice, then toss in fresh spinach leaves. Watch them wilt and blend into the soup’s warm embrace.

• Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper, pluck out the bay leaf, and serve in beautiful bowls. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Smart Tips For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Soup-Perfecting Tricks: Keep chicken tender by avoiding overcooking and simmering gently.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace orzo with quinoa or rice for celiac-friendly version.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare soup base a day ahead and add fresh spinach just before serving to maintain vibrant color and nutrients.
• Protein Power-Up: Substitute chicken with tofu or white beans for vegetarian alternative, adding extra plant-based protein and texture.
• Flavor Boost: Enhance soup's depth by adding a splash of white wine during vegetable sautéing or including grated parmesan cheese as a final garnish.

How To Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this warm soup with a slice of crusty bread or toasted sourdough to soak up the delicious broth.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the soup with crumbled feta cheese or sliced grilled almonds for extra protein and crunch.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or add a few torn basil leaves right before serving to enhance the vibrant flavors.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Storing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup For Later

• Quick Cooling: Let the soup cool down to room temperature within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Place the soup in shallow containers to speed up the cooling process.
• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the soup and garnishes separate to maintain the best texture and freshness.
• Freezer Friendly: Freeze the soup without spinach and parsley for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Tips: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

All You Need For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation and rich flavor base for sautéing vegetables.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic backbone to the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes subtle earthy undertones and classic soup vegetable texture.
• Garlic: Infuses intense, robust flavor and enhances overall taste complexity.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano: Introduces Mediterranean herbal notes and warm, comforting seasonings.
• Bay Leaf: Delivers subtle background complexity and traditional soup depth.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, hearty liquid base with deep savory undertones.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Provides lean protein and substantial texture to the soup.
• Orzo Pasta: Adds delightful small-grain texture and makes soup more filling.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors with zesty, tangy freshness and balances richness.
• Fresh Spinach Leaves: Introduces vibrant green color and nutritious leafy element.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers fresh herbal garnish with light, clean taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances overall seasoning profile.

Hearty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Greek-inspired lemon chicken orzo soup brings comfort and zest to winter meals. Hearty broth, tender chicken, and bright citrus notes create a nourishing dish you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (170 g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over moderate heat, creating a rich base for the soup’s depth.
2. Aromatic Vegetables: Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant, allowing their natural sweetness to develop.
3. Herb Infusion: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf, releasing their intense aromatics and creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil and preparing for chicken poaching.
5. Chicken Cooking: Immerse whole chicken breasts in the bubbling broth, reducing heat to a gentle simmer and covering the pot to ensure tender, even cooking.
6. Meat Preparation: Remove chicken and meticulously shred into delicate threads, then return to the simmering broth to maintain moisture and flavor.
7. Pasta Incorporation: Introduce orzo, stirring periodically and cooking until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.
8. Final Flourishes: Enhance the soup with bright lemon zest and juice, then gently fold in spinach leaves until they delicately wilt.
9. Seasoning Refinement: Fine-tune with salt and freshly ground black pepper, removing the bay leaf to prevent any bitter undertones.
10. Serving Presentation: Ladle the aromatic soup into bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Poach chicken breasts at a low, gentle simmer to prevent toughening and maintain juicy, soft texture.
• Control Orzo Consistency: Stir pasta frequently and check package cooking time to achieve perfect al dente texture without becoming mushy.
• Enhance Citrus Brightness: Add lemon zest and juice at the end of cooking to preserve fresh, vibrant flavor and prevent bitter undertones.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version; use gluten-free orzo for celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg