Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light and refreshing dish with a perfect balance of citrusy flavors and hearty ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Herbs:
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour in Chicken Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook Orzo Pasta:
- Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package instructions until the orzo is al dente.
- Add Chicken:
- Stir in the shredded chicken and continue simmering until the chicken is heated through.
- Add Lemon Zest and Juice:
- Add the zest and juice of the lemons to the soup. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference.
- Season and Garnish:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.
This soup is perfect for a light and comforting meal. The combination of lemon, herbs, and chicken creates a refreshing and flavorful broth. Adjust the ingredients and seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!