Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Fresh Herbs
A delightful, comforting soup featuring chicken, orzo, and a refreshing hint of lemon, perfect for chilly days.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 stalks crisp celery, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced into rounds
- 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1.5 pounds raw chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large soup pot, warm the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced celery, sliced carrots, and chopped onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously for another minute to remove the raw taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to dissolve the flour. Mix in the Italian seasoning and add the whole chicken breasts. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through.
- Stir in the orzo and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Remove the cooked chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and return them to the pot. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this cozy, citrusy delight!
Notes
To elevate your soup, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering or replacing the orzo with whole grain or gluten-free alternatives. Cooking the chicken separately and shredding it can yield a different texture and enhance the experience.