Description
Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup is a cozy, flavorful one-pot meal with tender chicken, orzo pasta, and bright lemon notes in a rich, creamy broth. It’s comforting, refreshing, and perfect for cool days or when you need a soothing bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add chicken and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes. Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut version.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Substitute rice for orzo if needed.
- Skip the cream for a dairy-free version—add extra broth and a drizzle of olive oil instead.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
