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To make Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a bright, flavorful soup. The chicken thighs add richness, while the orzo gives a nice texture. Fresh veggies provide crunch and nutrients. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with a zesty kick. Don't forget the herbs! Thyme and oregano bring depth and warmth. Using fresh parsley as a garnish adds color and freshness. Each bite of this soup feels comforting and satisfying. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the ease of this quick meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing the vegetables In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften. 2. Adding garlic and seasoning Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 1 more minute. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing! Then, season the mix with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well. 3. Cooking the chicken in broth Now, add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring this to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. 4. Shredding the chicken After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot. Place it on a cutting board. When it cools a bit, shred the chicken using two forks. This gives great texture to the soup. 5. Cooking the orzo pasta While the chicken cools, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the soup. Cook it according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. This pasta adds a nice bite to your soup. 6. Final assembly and flavor adjustment Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Now, your Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is ready to enjoy! - Ensuring the chicken remains juicy: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them tender. Cook them until they reach 165°F. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness. - Perfecting the orzo texture: Add orzo to the pot after the chicken cooks. This helps the pasta soak up flavors without getting mushy. Check the package for cooking time. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Adjusting flavor profiles with herbs: Fresh herbs can brighten the soup. Add parsley right before serving for a fresh taste. Experiment with other herbs like basil or dill for different flavors. - Ideal accompaniments for the soup: Serve the soup with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with dressing works well. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables. - Best bread pairings: Crusty bread or a warm baguette pairs nicely with the soup. Garlic bread is another great choice. Dip the bread into the soup for extra flavor. - Ways to enhance presentation: Garnish the soup with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve in bowls that contrast with the soup color. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a gourmet touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your soup. Fresh ingredients provide a vibrant taste and aroma. Adjust Lemon to Taste: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted based on your personal preference. Start with half the juice and add more if you'd like a zippier flavor. Pre-cook the Orzo: To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, consider cooking it separately and adding it to the soup just before serving. This helps maintain its texture. Store Separately: If you have leftovers, store the soup and orzo separately. This prevents the orzo from absorbing too much broth and becoming overly soft. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. - Use turkey if you want a leaner meat. - Try tofu for a plant-based option. If you need gluten-free, look for orzo made from rice or corn. Add more veggies to boost nutrition. - Spinach adds color and vitamins. - Zucchini brings extra texture and flavor. Spices can really kick up the heat. - Red pepper flakes add a nice zing. - Paprika can give a smoky touch. Herbs also change the soup’s taste. - Fresh basil adds a fresh twist. - Dill gives it a unique flavor profile. Feel free to mix and match these options. Each swap can create a new soup experience! For short-term storage, place the soup in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about three to four days. Make sure to let the soup cool before sealing it. For long-term storage, you can freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy the soup again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to warm evenly. You can also use the microwave, but watch it closely to prevent overcooking. In the fridge, Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup lasts about three to four days. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell, discoloration, or mold. If you see any of these signs, it's best to discard the soup. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can use fresh herbs! Fresh herbs add bright flavors. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried thyme, use three teaspoons of fresh thyme. Fresh herbs are great for this soup. To make this soup vegetarian, swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. This will keep it tasty and filling. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad. A fresh green salad adds crunch and nutrition. You can also serve it with a nice piece of garlic bread. Both options make a delightful meal. Absolutely! You can use any small pasta shape you like. Try ditalini, small shells, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust cooking times as needed. Ensure the pasta is cooked to your liking for the best texture. In this blog post, we explored making Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. I shared ways to adjust flavors and suggested ingredient swaps. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. This soup is easy to adapt and serve with many sides. With a few simple tweaks, you can make it your own. Enjoy making this comforting dish, and experience its warmth and flavor.

Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A refreshing and hearty soup featuring chicken, orzo pasta, and bright lemon flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Season the vegetables with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Next, add the chicken thighs to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks.
  • While the chicken is cooling, add the orzo pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions (typically about 8-10 minutes).
  • Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, lemon, orzo, soup