Description
This cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is light yet satisfying, brimming with tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta in a zesty, aromatic broth. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness, ready to warm you up on any day.
Ingredients
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2 sticks celery, finely chopped
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2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
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½ medium onion, chopped (preferably sweet/Vidalia)
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons flour
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6 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium if desired)
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¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1½ pounds uncooked chicken breasts
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1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Sauté vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.
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Add garlic and flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another minute to cook off the raw flavor.
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Add broth and chicken: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to blend with the flour. Add Italian seasoning and nestle the chicken breasts into the broth.
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Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
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Add orzo: Stir in the orzo and continue to simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Shred chicken and finish: Remove the cooked chicken breasts, chop into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pot. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon slices or parsley if desired.
Notes
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For richer flavor, add a Parmesan rind during simmering and remove before serving.
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If you like extra lemon flavor, zest half a lemon into the soup before serving.
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You can substitute rotisserie chicken and reduce the simmering time.
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For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American