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Bright Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Close-up of a white bowl filled with amazing chicken orzo soup, featuring shredded chicken, carrots, and fresh parsley.
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Make this bright, zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for a comforting weeknight meal that tastes like it simmered for hours. This easy, one-pot recipe delivers fresh, satisfying flavor quickly.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Add the orzo pasta, cut chicken pieces, oregano, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Return the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a cozy dinner.

Notes

  • You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster; add it during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
  • For a richer broth, substitute 1 cup of the chicken broth with dry white wine and let it cook down for 2 minutes before adding the remaining broth.
  • This soup is excellent for meal prep and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/chickencorzosouprecipeeasy/