Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful, heartwarming dish that offers a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. This light yet comforting soup features tender chicken breast, an array of fresh vegetables, and orzo pasta, all simmered in a zesty lemon broth. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. In just under an hour, you can serve up this nourishing meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, this recipe is not only satisfying but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped celery, carrots, and onion; sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add flour, stirring continuously for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth while stirring until the flour dissolves completely. Add Italian seasoning along with uncooked chicken breasts and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover slightly ajar, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add uncooked orzo into the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot once cooked through; dice into bite-sized pieces before adding back into the soup.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley; season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg