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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a bright, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, orzo pasta, and a splash of fresh lemon juice for a perfect balance of hearty and refreshing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sticks celery chopped finely
  • 2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
  • ½ medium onion chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or more, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or more, to taste
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add celery, carrots, and onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and flour: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir well, cooking for another minute to remove raw flour taste.
  3. Add broth and seasonings: Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook chicken: Add chicken breasts to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
  6. Cook orzo: Stir in uncooked orzo. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
  7. Finish with lemon and parsley: Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Active time: 15 minutes (chopping and prep).
  • Passive time: 35 minutes (simmering).
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for richer flavor.
  • For extra lemony flavor, zest the lemon before juicing and add the zest to the soup.
  • Orzo continues to absorb broth after cooking—add extra broth or water if reheating.