Description
A bright and delicious soup featuring tender chicken, orzo, and fresh lemon flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Onion (finely diced)
- 2 Carrots (diced)
- 2 Celery stalks (diced)
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- 3–4 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups Low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 Bay leaf
- ½ cup Orzo
- 3 tbsp Lemon Juice
- to taste Chopped parsley, dill, and grated parmesan for garnish
- as needed Lemon wedges on the side
Instructions
- Build the Base. Heat 2 tbsp Olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 Onion, 2 Carrots, 2 Celery stalks, ½ tsp Kosher salt, and ¼ tsp Black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Stir in 3-4 Garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
- Simmer the Chicken. Add 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 6 cups Low-sodium chicken stock, and 1 Bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Add the Orzo. Stir in ½ cup Orzo and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until just al dente. Keep an eye on it. Orzo cooks quickly and can over-soften if left too long.
- Finish with Lemon. Off the heat, stir in 3 tbsp Lemon Juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. This soup should be bright and lemon-forward. You can even grate some lemon zest over the soup.
- Serve and Garnish. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley, dill, and grated parmesan. Serve Lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- This soup is best served fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want a thicker soup, add more orzo or cook it longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg