Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly comforting, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful twist on classic chicken soup that’s perfect for any season. Packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory chicken broth, this recipe shines with the refreshing acidity of fresh lemon juice and zest. A hint of dried thyme and a subtle garlic aroma elevate the flavors, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness to the final dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this wholesome one-pot meal is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or soothing cold-weather cravings. Serve it with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a satisfying and revitalizing meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 0.75 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the orzo pasta. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the cooked shredded chicken to the soup and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
305 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.0 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 65 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 824 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.6 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.5 g | ||
| Protein | 31.6 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 67 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 674 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
