Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a heartwarming dish filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon, perfect for cozy evenings or whenever you crave comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- Key Ingredients:
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), to taste
Instructions
- Instructions:
- 1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts. In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Return the seared chicken back into the pot with any juices. Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes until cooked through.
- 4. Cook the Orzo: Remove the chicken again and stir in the orzo pasta; cook according to package instructions (about 8 minutes).
- 5. Shred the Chicken: While the orzo cooks, shred your chicken using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot along with lemon juice and zest.
- 6. Final Touches: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Stir well and let it simmer for another few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg