Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  1. Chop Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces for even cooking.
  2. Shred Chicken: If using pre-cooked chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If starting with raw chicken, cook it separately and shred it.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook Onions: Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Build the Base

  1. Season: Stir in the thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Let the herbs cook for 1 minute to release their flavors.
  2. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

  1. Add Orzo: Once the broth is boiling, stir in the orzo pasta.
  2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Lemon

  1. Incorporate Chicken: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. Let it heat through for about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Adjust the lemon to your taste; start with half a lemon and add more if desired for a brighter flavor.

Step 6: Add Greens (Optional)

  1. Stir in Greens: If using spinach or kale, add it to the soup in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Stir until the greens wilt.

Step 7: Season and Serve

  1. Taste and Adjust: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a slice of lemon.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

  • Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo cooks quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on it as the soup simmers.
  • Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the soup a brighter and fresher flavor than bottled juice.
  • Make it Creamy: For a richer texture, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.
  • Freeze the Soup Without Orzo: If you plan to freeze the soup, leave out the orzo and add it when reheating to maintain the texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Refreshing and Comforting: The lemon adds a zesty brightness that balances the hearty chicken and orzo.
  2. Versatile: Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with chickpeas and using vegetable broth.
  3. Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and fiber, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a perfect blend of comforting and refreshing flavors. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a go-to recipe for a wholesome meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly night or a light, flavorful dish for any season, this soup is sure to satisfy. Try it today and bring a little brightness to your table!