When you find yourself craving a bowl of something cozy yet invigorating, Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo is a standout choice. But let’s be honest—great food deserves great company. You can easily enhance your meal experience with the right pairings. Here are some delightful options:
Crusty Bread: A loaf of fresh, crusty bread is perfect for dipping. It complements the soup’s richness while soaking up the zesty broth.
Salad: A light arugula or spinach salad with a zingy vinaigrette adds contrast. Freshness is key, and the salad will cleanse your palate beautifully.
Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the flavors, elevating your dining experience.
Cheese Plate: A small assortment of sharp cheeses can provide a satisfying contrast to the soup’s citrusy notes.
Fruit: Fresh fruit or a fruit salad offers a sweet note to balance the savory soup.
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re looking for something that warms your heart as much as your stomach. You head to the kitchen, and the delightful aroma of chicken, lemon, and herbs wafts through the air. This is the magic of Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and brightness, making it an instant family favorite.
Combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a pinch of lemon zest transforms simple ingredients into a cozy hug in a bowl. The complexity of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. I’ve served this soup countless times. Each time, it’s met with satisfied slurps and requests for more.
What is Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo?
Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo is a delicious soup that marries the comforting qualities of chicken soup with the delightful chewiness of orzo pasta. It offers a bright and tangy flavor profile thanks to the addition of lemon juice, creating a refreshing take on a classic dish.
Not only is it filling, but it also boasts nutritional benefits. Packed with proteins from the chicken and carbohydrates from the orzo, this soup is both wholesome and satisfying. Additionally, it’s a canvas for vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, making it nutrient-rich. When you’re looking for a dish that meets the criteria of quick, simple, and delightful, this soup does it all—and then some!
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What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo?
Many lemon chicken soups tend to focus solely on the chicken and broth. However, this recipe stands out by introducing elements like smoked paprika and fresh ginger. These nuances add depth without overwhelming the palate.
Moreover, the use of rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also injects a burst of flavor. It’s like a shortcut that doesn’t skimp on quality. The inclusion of orzo pasta brings a fulfilling texture that traditional chicken soup often lacks.
How Does It Taste?
The first spoonful of Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo is a masterclass in flavor balance. You get the tender bite of chicken, the soft chew of orzo, and the gentle crunch of fresh vegetables—all underpinned by a vibrant punch of lemon.
The flavors work harmoniously; the smoked paprika brings a subtle warmth, while the ginger adds an unexpected yet pleasant depth. With every bite, you experience a combination that is both refreshing and comforting. It dances on your taste buds and leaves you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish
To whip up this delightful soup, you’ll conquer your grocery list with the following essentials:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot starch or tapioca flour) for thickening
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or substitute 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a mild smoky undertone
- Juice of 1 to 2 lemons, according to your preferred tanginess
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger for subtle warmth
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step by Step Instructions to Make Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before anything else, gather all your ingredients. This ensures you’re ready to go and makes the cooking process smoother. Everything should be at your fingertips—just like a well-organized kitchen.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables soften. This is where the magic begins—the foundation of your soup!
Step 3: Introduce Garlic and Ginger
Once your veggies are tender, introduce the crushed garlic and minced ginger to the pot. Cook for an additional minute until aromatic. This step adds a fragrant base that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Mix in Chicken and Broth
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the chicken infuses its rich flavor into the broth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Spices
Stir in the smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. This not only enhances the flavor profile but also gives the soup a delightful color. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes; let those flavors meld.
Step 6: Cook the Orzo
Once the broth is fragrant and delicious, stir in the uncooked orzo. Allow it to cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Add Lemon Juice
When the orzo is cooked to your preference, squeeze in the lemon juice. Start with one lemon, taste, and add more if you desire a more pronounced zing. This touch brightens the soup significantly and adds that refreshing kick.
Step 8: Thicken the Soup
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the pot while stirring continuously until the soup reaches your desired thickness.
Step 9: Final Touches
Before serving, stir in the unsalted butter and fresh parsley. These elements add a final flavor boost and a pop of color.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve it warm with your crusty bread or a side salad for a full meal.
Tips & Tricks for Making Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo
Opt for Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves tons of time and adds incredible flavor. You might want to keep an extra one in your fridge for a quick meal.
Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks. Too much time can leave it mushy, and nobody likes that in their soup!
Adjust the Tartness: Lemon juice is key! Start with one lemon, taste, and adjust based on your preference for tartness.
Store in the Right Containers: If you’re prepping meals ahead, store the soup in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and easy to heat up later.
Experiment with Herbs: Don’t hesitate to add fresh herbs like thyme or dill. They can elevate the flavor profile even more!
Nutrition Information
A typical serving (one bowl) of Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo comes in around 350 calories. This includes approximately:
It’s a nourishing, wholesome choice that provides a good amount of protein and energy.
How Do I Store This Dish?
Storing Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo is simple. Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days.
If you’d like to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to account for the orzo. Pasta can absorb liquid and get mushy when frozen. If you plan to freeze it, cook the orzo separately and store it in a separate container. This way, you can combine them when reheating!
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo?
For Chicken: Shredded Rotisserie Chicken can easily be traded for cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. This adds texture and protein without the meat.
For Orzo: If you’re avoiding pasta, quinoa or farro can be used as nutritious alternatives that also taste fantastic.
For Chicken Broth: While low-sodium chicken broth is a staple, vegetable broth is a great substitute for those looking to keep it plant-based or lower sodium.
For Vegetables: Feel free to throw in some chopped spinach or kale. They lend a nourishing boost and vibrant color to the soup!
For Lemon: If fresh lemons are out of reach, a good-quality lemon juice from a bottle can step in—just avoid overly sweetened or concentrated varieties.
Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch oven
- vegetable chopper
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch or tapioca flour for thickening
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 stalks celery finely chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a mild smoky undertone
- Juice of 1 to 2 lemons according to your preferred tanginess
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 medium carrots peeled and finely diced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger for subtle warmth
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Before anything else, gather all your ingredients. This ensures you’re ready to go and makes the cooking process smoother. Everything should be at your fingertips—just like a well-organized kitchen.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables soften. This is where the magic begins—the foundation of your soup!
Step 3: Introduce Garlic and Ginger
- Once your veggies are tender, introduce the crushed garlic and minced ginger to the pot. Cook for an additional minute until aromatic. This step adds a fragrant base that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Mix in Chicken and Broth
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the chicken infuses its rich flavor into the broth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Spices
- Stir in the smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. This not only enhances the flavor profile but also gives the soup a delightful color. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes; let those flavors meld.
Step 6: Cook the Orzo
- Once the broth is fragrant and delicious, stir in the uncooked orzo. Allow it to cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Add Lemon Juice
- When the orzo is cooked to your preference, squeeze in the lemon juice. Start with one lemon, taste, and add more if you desire a more pronounced zing. This touch brightens the soup significantly and adds that refreshing kick.
Step 8: Thicken the Soup
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the pot while stirring continuously until the soup reaches your desired thickness.
Step 9: Final Touches
- Before serving, stir in the unsalted butter and fresh parsley. These elements add a final flavor boost and a pop of color.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve it warm with your crusty bread or a side salad for a full meal.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance. Just remember to store the orzo separately if you plan to freeze it. When reheating, add a bit of extra broth to thin it out as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add a lovely brightness. You can use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried in the recipe.
What should I do if the soup is too sour?
If your soup turns out too tangy, you can balance it by adding a pinch of sugar. This will help mellow the acidity without masking the flavor.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta like rice pasta, or use quinoa instead. Both options will work beautifully in this recipe.
Is it okayreeze lemon chicken so to fup?
Yes, but as mentioned earlier, it’s best to freeze the soup without the orzo. This keeps the texture intact and prevents mushiness.
Conclusion
Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo offers a warm embrace on a chilly day. It’s a foolproof recipe that combines comfort with vibrancy. Between the tender chicken, delightful orzo, and vibrant lemon flavor, this dish is designed to please both the palate and the soul.
With the right pairings, thoughtful preparation, and simple variations, you can turn this cozy dish into a staple of your culinary repertoire. So grab your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and enjoy the beautiful symphony of flavors in every bowl. Have a slurp-worthy day!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more