Name: Bright and Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup orzo pasta; Juice and zest of 1 large lemon; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

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Bright and Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup 🥣🍋✨

1. Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite lemon chicken soup recipe that combines the brightness of citrus with tender chicken and hearty orzo pasta. This citrus chicken orzo dish is perfect for cold evenings, offering a comforting and quick weeknight dinner option. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a hit among family and friends alike. Whether you’re seeking a revitalizing soup or a nourishing meal, this comforting chicken soup will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.

2. Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup orzo pasta
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
6 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lemon Chicken Soup

Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients and prep vegetables by chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and mincing garlic. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and better flavor absorption.

Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Simmer the Soup

Add the chicken broth to the pot, bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors. Meanwhile, cook the orzo separately following package instructions, draining and setting aside.

Add the Orzo and Lemon

Stir the cooked orzo into the soup. Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to brighten the dish. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, mixing well to ensure the lemon flavor infuses throughout.

Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. For extra flavor, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of more lemon.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Lemon Chicken Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the soup.

5. Serving Suggestions for Your Citrus Chicken Orzo

Serve this comforting chicken soup with crusty bread or a side salad to complete your meal. You can also add a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens. This soup pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or a warm cup of tea for a cozy night in.

6. Optional Variations and Dietary Tips

To make it more protein-rich, add cooked shredded chicken or turkey.

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with hearty beans or tofu.
Use gluten-free orzo orzo alternatives if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Adjust the lemon amount to taste for more or less citrus flavor.

7. Related Recipes You Might Love

8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

Upgrade your cooking game with these essential kitchen tools, designed to make preparing this lemon chicken soup easier and more enjoyable:

Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for quickly cooking or reheating leftovers without extra dishes.
T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures easy release and cleaning for sautéing and simmering.

Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer — Ideal for preparing grilled chicken components easily.

9. Conclusion

This bright and cozy lemon chicken orzo soup is a delightful twist on classic comfort food, offering a perfect balance of zesty citrus and savory chicken. It’s quick to prepare, customizable to dietary preferences, and incredibly satisfying. Make this nourishing citrus chicken soup for your next family dinner or cozy night in and enjoy a bowl of pure happiness. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and serve it with your favorite bread to elevate the experience!

FAQs about Lemon Chicken Soup

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit any milk-based ingredients, and the recipe remains delicious. To add creaminess, consider stirring in coconut milk or almond milk during the final minutes.

How long does it take to prepare?

This quick weeknight dinner takes approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked shredded chicken reduces cooking time. Simply add it during the final steps to warm through.

What can I substitute for orzo?

You can use rice, quinoa, or small pasta shapes like acini di pepe as alternatives in this comforting chicken soup.

Bright and Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup