Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and comforting orzo pasta in a fragrant broth. This delightful soup is perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. With its vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s sure to uplift your spirits and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté shallots, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender (about 5 minutes).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the pot. Sear until golden brown on both sides (approximately 4 minutes per side).
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
- Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the pot, shred with two forks, and return to the pot along with uncooked orzo.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes until orzo is al dente.
- Serve hot in bowls garnished with additional herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing/Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg