Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Nothing soothes quite like a bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup on a chilly day It is the ideal blend of cozy comfort bright citrus and filling pasta My family asks for it whenever cold season hits and the leftovers are just as good as the first bowls

When I first tried adding a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end my kids went from soup skeptics to slurping up seconds Now it is on regular rotation whenever someone needs a pick me up

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: make the soup hearty and keep it lean Look for fresh firm fillets and trim off any fat
• Celery: provides subtle crunch and a savory base Choose stalks with crisp leaves for best flavor
• Carrots: lend gentle sweetness and color Go for vibrant medium sized carrots for smooth peeling
• Onion: adds depth and rounded flavor A yellow or white onion works beautifully here
• Garlic: punches up the aromatics fresh cloves make all the difference
• Chicken broth: gives body to the soup Opt for low sodium and taste as you go for saltiness
• Orzo: makes each spoonful satisfying This little pasta cooks up tenderly and does not overwhelm the broth
• Lemon: brightens everything Use freshly squeezed for the freshest tang
• Fresh parsley: adds a pop of color and herbal lift flat leaf is best for tender leaves and clean taste

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

Melt butter and a little olive oil in a large soup pot Set over medium high heat Add chopped celery carrots and onions Cook for five to seven minutes stirring frequently until everything is just softening and smells fragrant Resist rushing this step since it develops a sweet full flavor base

Bloom the Garlic and Flour:

Sprinkle in minced garlic stirring for just thirty seconds until you catch its aroma Mix in all purpose flour to thicken Cook for a full minute so the flour loses its raw edge and has a chance to blend into the fat and veggies

Add the Broth and Chicken:

Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to remove any lumps Bring up the heat When the liquid is simmering gently slide in whole chicken breasts and your favorite Italian seasoning Let the pot come to a low boil

Simmer the Soup Base:

Turn down the heat and let the soup bubble gently with the lid slightly askew for about fifteen minutes The chicken will poach here until cooked through and super tender

Cook the Orzo:

Lift the lid and stir in uncooked orzo so it disperses evenly Let the soup simmer uncovered for about ten minutes Watch the orzo since it cooks up quickly and soaks in broth as it softens

Finish and Serve:

With tongs remove the now cooked chicken breasts Set them on a cutting board and chop into bite sized pieces Return the chicken to the pot Stir in fresh lemon juice and parsley Taste for seasoning then dish up hot

My youngest loves getting to squeeze the lemon herself at the end which always makes the whole kitchen smell fresh That pop of citrus wakes up even tired leftovers

Storage Tips

Let the soup cool completely then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days The orzo will soak up extra broth as it sits so I often keep extra broth handy to thin it when reheating For longer storage freeze in portions leaving a little room since the pasta expands on thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs work beautifully if you prefer richer flavor or a more succulent texture Spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end for extra color and nutrition Swap out orzo for another small pasta shape if it is what you have on hand You can use store bought rotisserie chicken to save time just add it after the broth simmers so it stays juicy

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping and a simple salad on the side Crumble a bit of feta over the top or toss in extra herbs like dill for a Greek inspired touch Sometimes I double the lemon if we are craving more brightness

Cultural Context

Lemon chicken soup is beloved in Greek cuisine where avgolemono pairs chicken and lemon with rice or orzo This version is a streamlined weeknight take on the traditional favorite bringing the same sunny flavors to busy schedules

Seasonal Adaptations

Stir in fresh spring peas or asparagus tips for a seasonal twist Swap in zucchini or yellow squash when it is plentiful and sweet Garnish with chives or mint from the garden for a summer lift

Every cozy pot of this soup disappears quickly in my house On cold nights it is the first thing my family requests right after walking in the door

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, precooked chicken may be added toward the end of cooking. Simply shred and stir in before the lemon juice and parsley.

→ Is it possible to substitute another pasta for orzo?

Small pasta shapes such as ditalini or pastina work well as substitutes for orzo, maintaining the soup's texture and bite.

→ How can I make this soup creamier without adding cream?

For a creamier texture, add a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water during cooking, or stir in a beaten egg gently for richness.

→ Does the soup reheat well for leftovers?

Leftovers keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add extra broth if the orzo absorbs liquid during storage and reheat gently.

→ Can I freeze lemon chicken orzo soup?

While freezing is possible, the orzo may become softer. Consider freezing without pasta, then add fresh orzo when reheating.

→ What pairs well with this soup?

Crusty bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables are great side options for a complete meal.