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Fresh Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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A bright and comforting soup featuring tender shredded chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and fresh lemon juice for a cozy, nourishing meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta (about 90 g)
  • Fresh lemon juice from 2 medium lemons (about 1/4 cup / 60 ml)
  • 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: dice carrots, celery, and onion finely; mince garlic; juice lemons; chop parsley. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove and let rest, then shred with two forks.
  3. In the same pot, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors marry.
  5. Add orzo to simmering broth and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes until tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley or a lemon wedge.

Notes

Add lemon juice at the end to keep chicken tender and flavor fresh. Avoid overcooking orzo to prevent mushiness. Stir occasionally while cooking orzo. Use gluten-free orzo or cauliflower rice for gluten-free version. Leftovers taste better the next day; reheat gently with added broth to loosen orzo. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months; undercook orzo slightly if freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner, chicken and orzo, lemon soup

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/fresh-lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe-easy-cozy-comfort-food/