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Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Close-up of a white bowl filled with bright yellow chicken orzo soup, topped with shredded chicken, carrots, and fresh parsley.
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This bright, zesty soup combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh lemon flavor in a comforting broth. It is a satisfying, weeknight-friendly meal that feels like it simmered for hours.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook according to the package directions for the orzo, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until tender.
  6. Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Heat through for about 2 minutes; do not boil after adding the lemon juice.
  7. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley before you serve it.

Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on weeknights.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, add 1/2 cup of small pasta shapes instead of orzo.
  • This soup reheats well, but you may need to add a splash of extra broth when reheating as the orzo absorbs liquid.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/easy-lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/