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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Author: Olivia Ross
A light yet comforting soup made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a bright hint of lemon. Perfect for cozy nights, quick dinners, or soothing cold-weather meals.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¾ cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until blended. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Add bay leaf, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the soup to a gentle boil and stir in orzo. Simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender. For later serving, cook orzo separately and add just before serving.
  • Add shredded chicken and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
  • Ladle into bowls and optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • To prevent the orzo from soaking up all the broth, cook it separately if storing for later.
  • Always use fresh lemon juice for best flavor, and don't skip the butter—it adds unmatched richness.
  • Spinach or kale can be added for extra color and nutrition.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 31gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 776mgPotassium: 732mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4927IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
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