Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of comfort? Dive into the delightful world of Mediterranean flavors with our Healing One Pot Chicken Orzo Soup! This easy-to-make recipe is not just a meal; it’s a nourishing experience that brings the goodness of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta all in one pot. In just 35 minutes, you can create a wholesome dish that serves six, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Get ready to impress your taste buds and discover the secret to a cozy night in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken breast into small, uniform cubes, finely chopping the onion, slicing carrots and celery into thin pieces, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Add diced chicken to the pot and cook until the exterior turns white and begins to brown slightly, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate sliced carrots and celery into the pot, stirring to combine with the chicken and aromatics.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, ensuring all ingredients are covered. Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper to season the soup.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and vegetables to become tender.
- Add orzo pasta to the soup and continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the orzo to fully absorb the liquid and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and dice the chicken breast in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t rush the sautéing process! Allow the onions to become golden and the garlic to release its aroma. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Adjust the Broth: Feel free to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness, or substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- Orzo Cooking Tip: Stir the orzo frequently during the last cooking phase to prevent it from clumping together or sticking to the pot.
- Garnish for Freshness: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Leftover Love: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
