why make this recipe
Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect comfort food for any day. It combines hearty ingredients with a bright, refreshing flavor that lifts your spirits. This soup is simple to make, and it’s a great way to use leftover chicken. Plus, it freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Each bowl is packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for dinner or lunch.
how to make Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients :
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped, preferably rotisserie)
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions :
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in uncooked orzo. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until it’s tender.
- Add shredded chicken and simmer for 5 minutes more to heat through.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let rest briefly before serving.
how to serve Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Serve this delicious soup hot in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil on top for added flavor. Consider serving it with crusty bread or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
how to store Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
To store the soup, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container since the soup will expand as it freezes.
tips to make Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option. It adds more flavor to the soup.
- If you want a thicker soup, you can add a little more orzo or reduce the amount of broth.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the chicken.
variation (if any)
- You can add more vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to make the soup heartier.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! Just store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer; just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta to make this a suitable option for those avoiding gluten.
Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup packed with hearty ingredients and bright flavors, perfect for any day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped, preferably rotisserie)
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in uncooked orzo. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until it’s tender.
- Add shredded chicken and simmer for 5 minutes more to heat through.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For meal prep, store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American