When the weather turns colder, there is nothing like a hot bowl of chicken soup to warm you up. And when it comes to comfort food, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a perfect choice. This flavorful and hearty soup combines tender chicken, savory orzo, and bright lemon. It is a delicious combination that will satisfy your wintertime cravings. Have you ever had this soup? If you have not, you should check it out. It is delicious!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: Popular and Simple to Make
Lemon chicken orzo soup has become more popular over the past few years. It is easy to understand why. The combination of flavors and the simple recipe make it a great dish. It needs only a few ingredients!
The soup combines protein-rich chicken, filling orzo, and vitamin-packed lemon. Since it is easy to prepare, it is ideal for busy weeknights.
I never imagined a lemon soup would be tasty. But it is. The bright flavor and the aroma of Italian seasoning make this a soothing soup. The chicken and vegetables make it a nutritious meal your family will enjoy.
My Experience with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
My first experience with this soup was on a cold winter night. I was eager to try this unique combination of flavors. I must say, it was delicious! The chicken, orzo, and lemon created an incredibly flavorful soup.
I liked the combination of the ingredients. The orzo provided a nice contrast to the vegetables. The chicken was tender and juicy. They added a savory element that tied the whole dish together. Lemon gave the soup a bright, tart flavor that cut through the richness of the creamy broth.
I especially liked how easy it was to prepare. The ingredients were readily available in my pantry. The soup came together within 30 minutes.
Overall, I was impressed. The dish was delicious and satisfying dinner for a cold night. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a warm and comforting meal. This soup is one of my go-to recipes for something delicious and easy to make.
The Broth is Essential
This soup is only as good as broth or stock. Chicken stock is my preferred choice. It provides a rich, savory flavor that works well with the tartness of lemon juice. It is best to make your own. I usually make a stock pot, can it, and use it in many recipes. If you don’t have the time to make Homemade Chicken Stock, do not worry. There are plenty of flavorful store-bought brands available.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 3/4 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2-cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1-bay leaf
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp. lemon zest
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tbsp. Italian seasonings
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups shredded Rotisserie chicken
- 2 tbsp. chopped parsley
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Instructions
- Heat oil and melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, then sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
- Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with flour and stir to combine.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, bay leaf, and chicken broth.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add the shredded chicken and parsley and stir well.
- Add the orzo and simmer for 10 minutes or until softened.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Discard bay leaf.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
8 Tips for the Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Are you looking for the perfect recipe for delicious and nutritious soup? If so, here are seven tips for making Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.
Start with Good Chicken Stock:
Use either homemade or store-bought chicken stock for the base of your soup. It will give your soup the flavor and body it needs.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice:
The flavor of fresh lemon is different than processed lemon juice. Fresh lemon will take your soup to the next level.
Add Herbs and Spices:
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find what works best for you. Use store-bought seasoning blends to save time.
Use Pre-cooked Chicken:
Most stores have rotisserie chicken. Use it as a flavorful option to save time.
Add Other Vegetables:
The addition of vegetables makes a heartier soup. Zucchini, cabbage, and potatoes are good choices.
Try Other Pasta:
Orzo is traditional, but any small pasta will work in this recipe. Be sure to cook the pasta in the soup to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Simmer for a Long Time:
The longer the soup simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will be. Make sure not to overcook the orzo, though.
Get Creative:
This soup is easy to customize. It is adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Follow these tips to have the perfect lemon chicken orzo soup every time!
Alternative Orzo Soups
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a classic favorite. But if you’re looking for a twist on this traditional dish, here are some delicious alternatives.
Mediterranean-style Orzo Soup:
This hearty soup has white beans, tomatoes, spinach, and herbs like oregano and basil. The addition of lemon zest gives it a bright, citrusy flavor.
Curried Coconut Orzo Soup:
A unique twist on the classic, this creamy soup has a taste of curry. Simmer chicken in a coconut milk broth. Add cooked orzo and a squeeze of lemon juice for a balanced flavor.
Italian-Style Orzo Soup:
Here is another option. Start with a large pot of flavorful chicken stock. Add Italian sausage, noodles, Parmesan cheese, and a handful of your favorite herbs. Finish with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley.
Lemon, Asparagus, and Chicken Orzo Soup:
This soup is a delicious choice for a lighter option. Simmer chicken in a broth of your choice, and add cooked orzo and blanched asparagus. Finish with fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese.
There’s no need to stick with the same lemon chicken orzo soup. These delicious alternatives let you enjoy a bowl of soup that does not compromise on flavor.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 3/4 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2-cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1-bay leaf
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp. lemon zest
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tbsp. Italian seasonings
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups shredded Rotisserie chicken
- 2 tbsp. chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat oil and melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, then sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
- Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with flour and stir to combine.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, bay leaf, and chicken broth.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add the shredded chicken and parsley and stir well.
- Add the orzo and simmer for 10 minutes or until softened.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Discard bay leaf.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
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