Imagine a soup so comforting, so bursting with flavor, that it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup isn't just another recipe – it's a warm hug in a bowl that combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the hearty richness of chicken, and the wholesome goodness of fresh greens. Perfect for chilly evenings, quick weeknight dinners, or when you're craving something both nutritious and incredibly delicious, this soup promises to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until vegetables become soft and onions turn translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, increasing heat to high and bringing the liquid to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add orzo pasta to the broth and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken, allowing it to heat through completely, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add baby spinach or kale to the soup, stirring until greens are wilted and tender, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, stirring to distribute the bright citrus flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or additional lemon wedges.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The key to an exceptional soup is using fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth.
- Don't overcook the orzo: Watch the pasta carefully to prevent it from becoming mushy. It should be al dente and retain a slight bite.
- Shred chicken while it's warm: Warm, freshly cooked chicken shreds more easily and stays more tender in the soup.
- Add greens at the last minute: To preserve their bright color and nutrients, add spinach or kale just before serving.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste: Start with less lemon juice and add more gradually to achieve your perfect balance of citrusy brightness.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese when serving.
- Use homemade chicken broth if possible for a more robust flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
