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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A warming, hearty soup with tender chicken, zesty lemon, and delicate orzo pasta that comes together in under an hour.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced Use boneless, skinless chicken for ease.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth Low sodium if desired.
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested For maximum flavor.
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast, chop the onion, and finely mince the garlic.
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In a large pot, add a splash of oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Add the diced chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for around 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Add Broth and Pasta
  1. Pour in the chicken broth, and add the orzo pasta. Bring everything to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
Finish with Lemon
  1. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice and zest for that refreshing zing.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your heartwarming Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!

Notes

Substitute chicken with turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Avoid overcooking the orzo and add lemon juice just before serving.