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Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with tender chicken, carrots, celery, orzo, parsley, and lemon in a white bowl
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This cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup has tender chicken, soft vegetables, and little bites of orzo in a silky broth brightened with fresh lemon. It’s comforting enough for a chilly night but fresh enough that the bowl never feels heavy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, or to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Soften the vegetables. Add the butter and olive oil to a large soup pot over medium heat. Stir in the celery, carrots, and onion and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they begin to soften.
  • Add the garlic and flour. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly so it coats the vegetables without browning.
  • Build the broth. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to keep the mixture smooth. Add the Italian seasoning and chicken breasts, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook the chicken. Cover loosely and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice or shred it.
  • Cook the orzo. Stir the orzo into the simmering broth and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
  • Finish the soup. Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and add a little more lemon if you want a brighter finish.

Notes

The orzo keeps absorbing broth as the soup sits, so add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating leftovers. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For the best freezer texture, freeze the soup without the orzo and cook fresh orzo when reheating.

Do not overcook the pasta. Pull the soup from the heat as soon as the orzo is tender since it will continue softening in the hot broth.

Keywords: lemon chicken orzo

Find it online: https://thesavorymama.com/cozy-lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/