This delightful lemon chicken orzo soup is a comforting and refreshing dish perfect for any time of the year. The zesty lemon, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables combine to create a flavorful and nutritious meal that will warm your soul.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common household items, you might need to make a special trip to the supermarket for the orzo pasta and the parmesan rind. Orzo pasta is a type of short-cut pasta that resembles grains of rice, and a parmesan rind adds depth and richness to the soup's flavor.
Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, perfect for a lean source of protein.
Salt: Enhances flavors in the dish.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds healthy fats.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and a vibrant color.
Celery: Offers a subtle, aromatic flavor and crunch.
Yellow onion: Provides a savory base for the soup.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
Chicken broth: Serves as the flavorful liquid base for the soup.
Oregano: A herb that adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
Dried thyme: Brings in a subtle earthiness.
Dried rosemary: Adds a woody, pine-like flavor.
Dried basil: Provides a sweet and peppery flavor.
Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that adds heartiness to the soup.
Parmesan rind: Infuses the soup with a deep, umami-rich flavor.
Lemon zest: Gives a bright and zesty citrus note.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a tangy and refreshing acidity.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh taste to the soup.
One reader, Karlie Dominguez says:
This lemon chicken orzo soup is a delightful blend of flavors! The lemon adds a refreshing zing, while the orzo and veggies make it hearty and comforting. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Cooking Techniques for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
How to pound chicken breasts: Place chicken on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound evenly to about ½-inch thickness. How to sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large enameled cast iron pot over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned. How to saute vegetables: Add olive oil to the pan, then add carrots, celery, and onion, and cook for 3 minutes. Move veggies to the side, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute. How to simmer soup: Pour in chicken broth, add herbs and seasonings, return chicken to the pot, and bring to a simmer. How to cook orzo: Add orzo and parmesan rind to the simmering soup, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender. How to rest and cut chicken: Remove chicken from the soup, let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut into very small cubes, about the length of the orzo. How to finish soup: Return the cubed chicken to the soup along with lemon juice, lemon zest, and spinach, and heat through.
How To Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Orzo soup loaded with shredded chicken, carrots, and celery is brightened up with a splash of lemon juice. In less than an hour, you have a filling dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbchicken breasts,boneless skinless
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2½tbspolive oil,divided
- 1½cupscarrots,chopped
- 1½cupscelery,chopped
- 1½cupsyellow onion,chopped
- 5clovesgarlic,minced
- 7cupschicken broth
- 1½tsporegano,dried
- ½tspdried thyme
- ½tspdried rosemary
- ½tspdried basil
- 1cuporzo pasta,(5.8 oz), dried
- 1parmesan rind,plus shredded for serving
- 1½tsplemon zest
- ⅓cupfresh lemon juice
- 5ozfresh spinach,packed cups, roughly chopped
Instructions
-
Place chicken on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap and pound evenly to about ½-inch thickness. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil a large enameled cast iron pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer chicken to plate leaving oil in pan.
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Add an additional ½ tablespoon olive oil to pan then add carrots, celery and onion and saute for 3 minutes. Move veggies to the side, add garlic and saute for 1 minute.
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Pour in chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return chicken to pot and bring to a simmer.
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Add orzo and parmesan rind, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
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Remove parmesan rind and chicken and transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes then cut into very small cubes, about the length of the orzo. Meanwhile continue to cook soup, covered, while the chicken is resting.
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Return chicken to soup along with lemon juice, lemon zest and spinach and heat through. Serve warm with parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 497.04kcal
- Fat: 21.41g
- Saturated Fat: 5.53g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.85g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.52g
- Carbohydrates: 41.43g
- Fiber: 4.51g
- Sugar: 10.70g
- Protein: 34.54g
- Cholesterol: 72.00mg
- Sodium: 1455.09mg
- Calcium: 180.73mg
- Potassium: 1091.02mg
- Iron: 3.36mg
- Vitamin A: 483.29µg
- Vitamin C: 23.43mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting This Orzo Soup
When searing the chicken, make sure the pan is hot enough to create a nice golden crust. This not only locks in the juices but also adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Orzo Soup Recipe
Pre-cook the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This will cut down on cooking time when you make the soup.
Use pre-chopped vegetables: Buy carrots, celery, and onion pre-chopped from the store to save time on prep work.
Instant broth: Use store-bought chicken broth instead of making your own to save time.
Quick orzo: Opt for quick-cooking orzo pasta to reduce the simmering time.
Lemon juice shortcut: Use bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh lemons to save a few minutes.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative in soups.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter flavor but similar texture when cooked.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor and similar crunch.
yellow onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter taste.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar base flavor for the soup.
oregano - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram has a milder, sweeter flavor but is a close relative to oregano.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried savory: Dried savory has a similar earthy flavor.
dried rosemary - Substitute with dried sage: Dried sage offers a slightly different but complementary flavor.
dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley provides a mild, slightly peppery flavor.
orzo pasta - Substitute with acini di pepe: Acini di pepe is a small pasta that can mimic the texture of orzo.
parmesan rind - Substitute with pecorino rind: Pecorino rind adds a similar depth of flavor to the soup.
lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest provides a similar citrusy brightness.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar adds a similar acidity.
fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale provides a similar texture and nutritional profile.
How to Beautifully Present This Lemon Chicken Soup
Use a pristine white bowl: Select a deep, wide-rimmed white bowl to create a clean canvas that highlights the vibrant colors of the lemon chicken orzo soup.
Layer the ingredients: Start by placing a generous spoonful of orzo pasta at the bottom of the bowl, followed by a mix of carrots, celery, and yellow onion. This creates a beautiful base and ensures each bite is flavorful.
Add the chicken artistically: Slice the chicken breasts into thin, elegant strips and fan them out over the vegetables and orzo, showcasing the perfectly seared edges.
Pour the broth carefully: Gently ladle the hot chicken broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring the broth is clear and free of any impurities. This will enhance the visual appeal and aroma.
Incorporate the spinach last: Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves just before serving. The heat from the soup will wilt the spinach slightly, adding a pop of green and a fresh taste.
Garnish with lemon zest and juice: Sprinkle lemon zest over the top and drizzle fresh lemon juice around the bowl's edge. This not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the citrus aroma.
Finish with a parmesan touch: Grate a small amount of parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly into the hot soup. This adds a rich, savory note to the dish.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of toasted, crusty bread on the side, perfect for dipping and adding texture to the meal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Orzo Soup
Cutting board: A sturdy surface to pound and cut the chicken breasts and chop the vegetables.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the chicken breasts while pounding to prevent splatter.
Meat mallet: For pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
Large enameled cast iron pot: Ideal for searing the chicken and cooking the soup as it retains heat well and distributes it evenly.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken breasts while searing.
Wooden spoon: For stirring the vegetables and soup.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, and lemon zest.
Measuring cups: For measuring the chicken broth, orzo pasta, and lemon juice.
Microplane or zester: To zest the lemon.
Juicer: To extract fresh lemon juice.
Ladle: For serving the soup.
Grater: If you need to grate fresh Parmesan cheese for serving.
Plate: To transfer the seared chicken breasts.
Cutting board: For letting the chicken rest and then cutting it into small cubes.
Paring knife: Handy for smaller tasks like peeling garlic.
Colander: To rinse the fresh spinach before adding it to the soup.
Storing and Freezing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
To store leftover lemon chicken orzo soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating the refrigerated soup, you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water to thin it out, as the orzo will continue to absorb liquid over time.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
To thaw frozen lemon chicken orzo soup, place it in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until it's completely thawed. Alternatively, you can thaw the soup in the microwave using the defrost setting.
When reheating frozen soup, pour the thawed soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add extra chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency, as the orzo will have absorbed some liquid during storage.
If you plan on freezing the soup, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it to the soup when reheating. This will prevent the orzo from becoming mushy during the freezing and reheating process.
Always taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Reheat the lemon chicken orzo soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and prevents the orzo from becoming mushy.
If the soup has thickened up in the refrigerator, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating. This will help restore the original consistency of the soup.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer individual portions of the soup to microwave-safe bowls and heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until steaming hot. Stir the soup halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you find that the orzo has absorbed too much liquid during storage, you can cook a small amount of additional orzo separately and add it to the reheated soup. This will help maintain the ideal ratio of orzo to broth.
To brighten up the flavors of the reheated soup, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill just before serving. This will help revive the zesty, fresh taste of the soup.
If you have any leftover cooked chicken or vegetables, you can dice them up and add them to the reheated soup for extra texture and flavor. This is a great way to use up any remaining ingredients and create a heartier meal.
Interesting Trivia About Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
A random fact about this lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is that the inclusion of a parmesan rind adds a rich, umami flavor to the soup. This technique is a great way to utilize leftover cheese rinds, which might otherwise be discarded.
Is Making Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Cost-Effective?
This lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like chicken breasts, carrots, celery, and onion, it leverages pantry staples such as chicken broth and orzo pasta. The addition of lemon zest and fresh spinach adds a burst of freshness without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $20-$25 for a household of 4 people.
Is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients. The recipe includes lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, and complex carbohydrates from the orzo pasta. The use of herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and basil adds flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy additives. The inclusion of lemon juice and zest provides a boost of vitamin C and brightens the overall flavor profile.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat orzo pasta to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients
- Add more leafy greens, such as kale or Swiss chard, to boost the vitamin and mineral content
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in sautéing the vegetables to lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt intake
- Include additional protein-rich ingredients, such as cannellini beans or chickpeas, to make the soup more filling and satisfying
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add an extra layer of flavor and nutrients
Our Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Soup
This lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the subtle tang of lemon creates a refreshing and comforting dish. The addition of a parmesan rind adds depth, while the orzo provides a satisfying bite. Fresh spinach not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a pop of color. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks. Overall, it's a well-balanced and flavorful soup perfect for any season.
Enhance Your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe:
This lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is a must-try for its perfect balance of flavors. The lemon zest and lemon juice add a refreshing tang, while the parmesan rind infuses a rich, savory depth. The combination of carrots, celery, and onion creates a hearty base, and the fresh spinach adds a nutritious touch. The orzo pasta makes it filling, and the chicken broth ensures a comforting warmth. This recipe is crafted with care to deliver a satisfying and delicious meal.
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