Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful, nourishing dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and cozy orzo pasta in a warm broth. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Bursting with bright flavors and hearty textures, it’s an ideal meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy every spoonful filled with warmth and love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 breasts)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Prep ingredients: Chop carrots and celery; mince garlic.
- 2. Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- 3. Cook chicken: Add chicken breasts and thyme to the pot; pour in enough chicken broth to cover. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until cooked through.
- 4. Add orzo and lemon: Remove chicken, shred it with forks, and return to the pot. Stir in orzo and fresh lemon juice; simmer for another 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- 5. Stir in greens: Add spinach or kale just before serving; season with salt and pepper.
- 6. Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg