Sunny Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Sunny Days with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Fancy a bowl of sunshine? Honestly, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is pure comfort. It's like a warm hug when you need it most.
Ever had one of those days where everything just feels a bit "meh"? This soup is your ticket to "ahhh".
Why This Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Rocks
Think Avgolemono soup alternative but quicker and easier. This soup is the best of both worlds. It's derived from Greek traditions.
But it's a breeze to make and tastes incredible. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. This easy chicken soup recipe yields 6 generous servings.
Perfect for family dinners or leftovers!
Feel Good Food: Health & Flavor
This is not just tasty, it's also good for you. Chicken soup with lemon and pasta gives you a immune boost.
All thanks to vitamin C and protein. This comfort food chicken orzo is perfect for those days when you're feeling under the weather.
It's a great meal to have ready when someone is sick! What makes this recipe special? The bright lemon flavour.
It cuts through the richness and keeps you wanting more. I like that the soup is super easy to customize to your taste buds.
You know?
Ready to find out how to turn simple ingredients into a bowl of happiness? Let's dive into the ingredients for this delicious Lemon Orzo Soup .
Ingredients & Equipment for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup . It's all pretty straightforward, I promise.
This easy chicken soup recipe is very similar to Greek lemon chicken soup .
Main Ingredients
Here's the shopping list to turn into a bowl of sunshine.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Go for extra virgin if you have it.
- Yellow Onion: 1 small , diced. It should be firm and free of blemishes.
- Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and sliced.
- Celery: 2 stalks , sliced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best!
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups (approx. 1.9 liters) low-sodium. This is the flavour base so go for quality.
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound boneless, skinless (about 450g). Thighs work too!
- Orzo Pasta: ¾ cup , uncooked (about 150g). Don't overcook!
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Lemons: 1-2 (juice = ¼ cup / 60ml, zest of 1). Taste for acidity!
- Baby Spinach: 2 cups (optional). Adds a nice touch.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped. For garnish!
- Parmesan Cheese: For serving (optional). You could easily adapt this into one-pot lemon chicken orzo or the best bowl of comfort food chicken orzo .
Seasoning Notes
- Oregano + Thyme: This is our herbaceous base. Don't skip them.
- Lemon Zest: It amplifies the lemony flavor. It's the key .
- Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, maybe?
- Substitutions: Use Italian seasoning if you don't have oregano and thyme.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, peeps.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for simmering.
- Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: For chopping veg. A sharp knife makes life easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Two Forks: For shredding the chicken. You'll want to prepare what you need to get going. The chicken orzo soup is worth every second!
Honestly, this lemon chicken soup is super adaptable. Don't stress about perfection. Enjoy the process!. You can even consider this an Avgolemono soup alternative if you like things simple.
This is like a very forgiving chicken soup with lemon and pasta
This orzo soup recipe will change your life!
Cooking Method: Let's Get Souping!
So, you wanna make my famous Sunny Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup ? Trust me, it’s easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday.
This isn't just any chicken soup with lemon and pasta . This is a Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup guaranteed to banish the blues! Let's dive in.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks (and Veggies) in a Row
First things first, mise en place. Basically, get all your bits prepped. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic. I’m not kidding about this.
It's good to have everything ready before you start. Slice it, dice it, get it all ready.
Safety tip: Watch your fingers with that knife. We want soup, not a trip to A&E.
step-by-step Process: Souping Like a Boss
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes . Then, stir in garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing.
- Pour in 8 cups chicken broth. Toss in 1 pound chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Back in it goes to the soup.
- Stir in ¾ cup orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 8- 10 minutes . Don’t overcook the orzo or it'll turn to mush. Nobody likes mushy pasta.
- Now for the magic! Stir in the juice of 1-2 lemons , lemon zest, 2 cups spinach (if using), and 2 tablespoons parsley. Cook until spinach wilts, just a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning. This is where the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup really comes alive.
Pro Tips: Soup Savvy Secrets
Want to elevate your soup game? Don't be shy about it!
My top tip is to use good quality chicken broth. Honestly, it makes a huge difference. Homemade's best, but a good store-bought one works too.
Avoid overcooking the orzo. Al dente is key.
You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream at the end for extra creaminess. Just before serving, okay? Think of this Lemon Orzo Soup as your canvas for deliciousness.
You know Easy Chicken Soup Recipe are amazing to make and the Comfort food chicken orzo will make you feel better in any situation.
Recipe Notes
Honestly, these are the bits I love most about any recipe. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is no exception. It’s super versatile. You know, like that friend who can hang with anyone.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Lemon Chicken Soup Game
Presentation matters, right? For this comfort food chicken orzo , I like serving it in a deep bowl with a swirl of olive oil.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop. I sometimes use a dollop of Greek yogurt. Adds a lovely tang!
On the side? Crusty bread is a must. It soaks up all that lemony goodness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also works wonders.
If you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a crisp white wine. Oh my gosh! Pure heaven.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Chicken Orzo Soup Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Lemon chicken orzo soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll happily sit there for up to 3-4 days .
Freezing? Not really recommended with orzo. The pasta can get a bit mushy. Reheating? Gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
Variations: Easy Chicken Soup Recipe - Your Way
Want to tweak things? Go for it! For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan cheese. gluten-free? Use gluten-free orzo or even quinoa.
Seasonal swap? In summer, add zucchini or yellow squash. Winter? Maybe some kale or sweet potatoes. The best chicken orzo soup is the one you make your own.
Nutrition Basics: Chicken Soup with Lemon and Pasta
Okay, let's keep it real: I'm no nutritionist. That said, this soup is generally pretty good for you. Think lean protein from the chicken and complex carbs from the orzo.
The lemon adds vitamin C. The broth hydrates. Just watch the sodium levels, especially if you're using store-bought broth. Did you know, on average one cup (245 grams) of chicken noodle soup contains 124 calories?
This Lemon chicken orzo soup is about so much more than what’s on the ingredient list. So, go on, give this Orzo soup recipe a try! It's the perfect way to brighten up any day.
You'll love this easy and delicious Avgolemono soup alternative .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prepping. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight. Just be aware that the orzo pasta might absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you might need to add a splash more chicken broth when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
Think of it as the Mary Berry of soups better the next day!
How do I store leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
Storing leftovers is a piece of cake! Simply let the soup cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It'll keep well for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but the orzo might become a bit softer after thawing, which can be combatted by using less cooking time and adding broth as it reheats.
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Lemon Chicken Orzo soup recipe?
You bet! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and saves you time on cooking the chicken breasts. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup after you've simmered the vegetables in the broth, essentially skipping step 2. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal when you’re feeling a bit peckish.
What if I don't have orzo pasta can I substitute something else in this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
No worries if you're out of orzo! Ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small elbow macaroni would work well as a substitute. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may cook at slightly different rates. Basically, as long as it is small pasta, your all good!
Is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
It certainly can be a healthy and balanced meal! It's packed with lean protein from the chicken, contains vegetables for vitamins and fiber, and the orzo provides some carbohydrates for energy. Using low-sodium broth helps to control the sodium content. Plus, the lemon adds vitamin C and a bright, refreshing flavour!
My soup is too sour! How can I fix it?
Oops, a bit too much lemon zest? Don't fret! Counteract the sourness by adding a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the flavours. You can also stir in a knob of butter or a splash of cream (or even a dollop of Greek yogurt!) for extra richness that will mellow out the lemon.
Taste as you go until you get the balance just right. Nobody wants a face like a smacked lemon!
Sunny Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
