Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is light, zesty, and comforting — the perfect one-pot meal for any day of the week! It features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, lemony brightness, and orzo pasta in a savory broth. Ready in under an hour, this soup brings warmth and nutrition to your table.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
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Prep the ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables. Dice onion, mince garlic, slice carrots, and dice celery. Measure out broth, seasonings, and other components.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the chicken: Add chicken breasts to the pot and sear for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
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Add broth and orzo: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
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Shred and return chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
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Finish the soup: Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with optional grated Parmesan and additional parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light salad.
Notes
- For meal prep, cook orzo separately and add it to bowls when serving to avoid it soaking up too much broth in storage.
- Add fresh spinach in the last 2 minutes for a nutrient boost.
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for an even quicker meal.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo with cooked rice or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired