Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a vibrant and comforting dish that warms both the heart and the palate. Featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, and soft orzo pasta, this soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it comes together quickly and can be easily customized to fit any dietary preference. Each bowlful is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups kale or spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Dice the onion, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in diced carrots and celery; add whole chicken breasts and cover with chicken broth.
- Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove chicken from pot; shred with two forks and return to pot. Add orzo pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and greens if using until wilted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg