There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, and this Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is no exception. With tender chicken, zesty lemon, and delicate orzo pasta all swimming in a rich, creamy broth, it’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for those chilly days when you need a little extra warmth, this soup is both hearty and refreshing. Grab a spoon and enjoy the cozy flavors that bring a touch of sunshine to your table.
Steps
- In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the chopped celery, carrots, and onion for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds, then mix in the flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the flour is fully incorporated. Add the Italian seasoning and chicken breasts to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot slightly, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked orzo and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente, stirring often to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Remove the chicken breasts once they’re cooked through, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and return them to the pot.
- Add lemon juice, chopped parsley, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of orzo, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2384kcal | Carbohydrates: 208g | Protein: 232g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 624mg | Sodium: 8288mg | Potassium: 6256mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 28840IU | Vitamin C: 176mg | Calcium: 336mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare lemon chicken orzo soup in advance?
- Absolutely, but it’s advisable not to use the one-pot method if you plan to make it ahead. The orzo tends to absorb the broth over time. For best results, cook the orzo separately and add it to each bowl when reheating.
- What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
- You can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer. If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, add it with the orzo to avoid overcooking. For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth.
- How should I store leftovers, and can this soup be frozen?
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You might need to add more broth when reheating, as the orzo will absorb it. The soup can be frozen, but note that the orzo may become a bit softer. For freezing, consider adding cooked orzo after thawing.
- Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Consider looking for a slow cooker-specific lemon chicken orzo soup recipe to ensure the best results.
- What if I want a more intense lemon flavor?
- Feel free to increase the amount of lemon juice to your liking. For an extra lemony touch, serve the soup with lemon slices in each bowl.
Tips
- Adjust Lemon Flavor to Taste: Feel free to increase the amount of lemon juice if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor in your soup. You can also add lemon slices to each serving for an added citrus boost.
- Monitor Chicken Temperature: To avoid overcooking, use an instant read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This helps maintain the chicken’s tenderness.
- Manage Orzo Absorption: When storing leftovers, be aware that the orzo will absorb the broth over time. You may need to add additional chicken broth when reheating to maintain the soup’s desired consistency.
- Consider Cooking Orzo Separately for Make-Ahead Meals: If preparing the soup ahead of time, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it just before serving to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
Equipment
- Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – Essential for cooking the soup; often available on Amazon.
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer – Useful for ensuring the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.
