Print

Fresh Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Herb Flavor

fresh lemon chicken orzo soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A bright and comforting lemon chicken orzo soup with fresh herbs, perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals. This soup combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a lively lemon-herb flavor for a nourishing and refreshing bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta (about 120 g)
  • 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters), preferably low sodium
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic finely. Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Zest and juice the lemon, keeping them separate.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning the garlic.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat with the veggies and herbs. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken starts to lose its pink color but is not cooked through.
  5. Slowly add 6 cups of chicken broth, stirring as you go. Increase heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  6. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
  7. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, along with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning gradually.
  8. Let the soup simmer for 2-3 more minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness; start tasting at 7 minutes. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Add lemon juice after cooking the orzo to ensure proper pasta texture. If soup thickens after resting, stir in broth or water before reheating. For a zippier lemon flavor, add more zest or juice just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, herb soup, easy chicken soup, quick soup recipe, comforting soup, homemade soup, healthy soup

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/fresh-lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-herb-flavor/