Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
A comforting and nourishing lemon chicken orzo soup that is quick to prepare, perfect for chilly days or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 unit lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the chicken breasts and orzo to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the orzo is al dente.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
Chicken breasts can be substituted with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Fresh parsley brightens the soup, but you can use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available. Feel free to add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.