Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful, comforting dish that offers bright flavors and wholesome ingredients. Filled with tender chicken, vibrant spinach or kale, and zesty lemon, this soup warms you up on chilly days and satisfies your taste buds.
Why We Love This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The combination of tender chicken and the soft, chewy orzo pasta creates a satisfying texture that you’ll love. The star of the show, the lemon, adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream, making each spoonful a burst of flavor. Additionally, you can customize this recipe with your favorite veggies, making it not only delicious but nutritious too. It’s a great way to engage the whole family in cooking and enjoying a warm meal together.
Ingredients about Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
To prepare this comforting soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Directions
Making Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a straightforward process, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow these easy steps to create your soup:
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by gathering and measuring all your ingredients. This makes cooking smoother and more organized.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
- Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This will create a delicious base for your soup.
- Cook the orzo: Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, typically around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Incorporate the chicken and cream: Once the orzo pasta is cooked al dente, reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, and chopped spinach or kale. The cream adds richness to the soup, making it wonderfully comforting.
- Add lemon: Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest, mixing everything well. The lemon will brighten the flavor and add that refreshing zing we love.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it while it’s hot. This soup is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
When serving Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, presentation can enhance the dining experience. Start by ladling generous portions into bowls. You can garnish the soup with additional lemon zest or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a touch of color and freshness. Pairing this soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad can create a complete meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, you might serve it alongside warm, buttery rolls for dipping.
The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility; you can enjoy it as a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or even as part of a gathering with friends and family.
Expert Tips: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
To elevate your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, consider these expert tips:
- Cooked Chicken Options: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, or poach fresh chicken breasts or thighs for a homemade touch. Just ensure that it’s shredded or diced before adding it to the soup.
- Custom Veggies: Feel free to add different vegetables like peas, zucchini, or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand. This makes the soup even more colorful and nutritious.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or basil right before serving can enhance the flavor profile.
- Lemon Balance: Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste. Some prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, while others may enjoy a milder touch.
- No Cream Option: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can skip the heavy cream and substitute it with a bit of milk or unsweetened almond milk for creaminess without the calories.
How to Store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
To store leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember, when reheating, the orzo may absorb some liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.
Variation of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
There are numerous ways to give your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup a personal twist:
- Mediterranean Style: Add black olives and cherry tomatoes to the mix for a Mediterranean flair. You might also include a touch of feta cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sautéing vegetables. This will give your soup a warm kick.
- Different Pasta: Swap the orzo for another small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells if you prefer. Each will bring a different texture but still hold the soup’s heart.
- Grain Option: Instead of orzo, consider using grains like quinoa or farro for a heartier soup.
- Vegan Version: To make a vegan-friendly version, use a plant-based chicken substitute, coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and vegetable broth.
FAQ
What is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a flavorful dish made with shredded chicken, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, cream, and a bright lemon flavor that brings warmth and comfort.
How do I make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Can I use uncooked chicken in the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Simply cube it and sauté it with the vegetables, adding the broth afterward. Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.
How do I store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.
What can I serve with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even warm rolls for a complete meal.
Indulging in a bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup gives you a cozy feeling and nourishes your body. Its comforting qualities and fresh flavors make it a perfect recipe for any time of year. Enjoy preparing, savoring, and sharing this delightful dish with loved ones!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Can use rotisserie chicken or poach fresh chicken.
- 1 cup orzo pasta Alternatively, swap for another small pasta.
- 6 cups chicken broth Ensure gluten-free if needed.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with milk or almond milk for a lighter version.
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested Adjust lemon juice to taste.
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped Can customize with other vegetables.
- 1 onion, diced Provides base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the flavor profile.
- 2 carrots, diced Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 stalk celery, diced Adds crunch and flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
- for sautéing Olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and measure all ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
Cooking Vegetables
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
- Once orzo is cooked, reduce heat to low.
- Gently stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, and chopped spinach or kale.
Finishing Touches
- Squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!