© Original Recipe By Mom’s Meals ©
Bright and Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for Weeknights 🍋🍗🥣
1. Introduction
Looking for a bright lemon chicken soup that warms you up on busy weeknights? This cozy chicken orzo recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic lemon, and hearty orzo pasta in a comforting broth that’s perfect for quick dinners. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a flavorful bowl, this weeknight lemon soup is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy.
2. Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Preparation of Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and prepare them as listed above. Having everything ready will speed up your cooking process.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme or rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate Chicken and Lemon
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for a few minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.
4. Tips for Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Use fresh lemon juice for a vibrant flavor.
- Cook the orzo separately if you want to prevent it from overcooking or sticking together.
- Adjust the acidity by adding more or less lemon juice based on your taste preference.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
5. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the soup. This cozy chicken orzo soup tastes even better the next day, with flavors melding beautifully.
6. Serving Suggestions for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Serve this bright lemon chicken soup with a side of toasted bread or a crisp salad. Top with extra herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, especially on chilly evenings.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Adding cooked chicken is a quick way to prepare this weeknight lemon soup. Simply stir in shredded or diced cooked chicken near the end of cooking.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. To keep the soup dairy-free, avoid adding cream or cheese. The lemon provides enough richness and brightness to balance the flavors.
How long does it take to make this soup?
From start to finish, this cozy chicken orzo soup takes approximately 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but keep in mind that orzo pasta may become softer after freezing and thawing. If freezing, store in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding a little broth if needed.
8. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for quick prep of ingredients or reheating leftovers with even crispness.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensure your pots and pans are durable for every step of this recipe.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo — Great for preparing side dishes or proteins to complement your soup.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange — Useful for whipping up side breads or even mixing ingredients if needed.
9. Conclusion
This bright lemon chicken orzo soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brightens up any busy weeknight. It’s easy to prepare, nourishing, and packed with vibrant citrus notes that elevate traditional chicken soup. Try it today for a comforting, yet refreshing meal — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Bright and Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for Weeknights
A hearty, flavorful lemon chicken orzo soup with tender chicken, creamy broth, and fresh herbs, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in orzo and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken, lemon juice, and zest; cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon for best flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream towards the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low-fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg