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Fresh Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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A bright and comforting homemade herb soup featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh lemon, perfect for cozy cold days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 10 oz / 280 g)
  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta (90 g)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (60 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Chop the fresh parsley and dill separately and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and vegetables soften.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
  5. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Add 3/4 cup of orzo to the simmering broth. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender but still holds its shape.
  7. Stir in the shredded or diced cooked chicken. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to warm through.
  8. Remove the soup from heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  9. Mix in the chopped parsley and dill off the heat to preserve their fresh flavor.
  10. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra herbs or a lemon wedge.

Notes

To prevent mushy orzo when storing leftovers, undercook the orzo by 1-2 minutes. Add fresh orzo when reheating if freezing the soup. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Add fresh herbs off the heat to preserve their brightness. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, herb soup, homemade soup, easy soup recipe, comforting soup, chicken and orzo, lemon herb soup

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/fresh-lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-herb-soup-for-cold-days/