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–+ servings
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A bright and cozy lemon chicken orzo soup that's a family favorite and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Healthy
Servings 5 servings
Calories 464 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 about 6 oz / 170 grams onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium-large carrot, diced about 4 oz / 115 grams
  • 1.5 stalks celery, diced about 3 oz / 85 grams
  • ⅓ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • zest of ½ lemon lemon zest for larger lemons, zest ⅔ to 1 lemon if using smaller lemons
  • 2–3 leaves bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder optional
  • 6.5 cups chicken stock 1.5 liters
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta 6 oz / 170 grams
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken see notes for using raw chicken, 8 oz / 225 grams
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 3 oz / 85 grams
  • Juice of ½ lemon lemon juice about 2 tablespoons, plus extra to taste
  • extra salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh dill, parsley, and chives, chopped optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Season with ⅓ teaspoon salt (or 1 teaspoon if using low-sodium stock). Cook 6–7 minutes until golden and softened.
  • Add garlic, lemon zest, bay leaves, turmeric, orzo, and all the chicken stock. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  • Cook for about 8 minutes until orzo is just al dente. I suggest undercooking orzo by a minute as it will continue to absorb liquid and soften after cooking.
  • While cooking, shred the chicken, grate Parmesan and squeeze lemon juice.
  • Stir in shredded chicken, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Warm through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like it thinner, add a splash of hot water or broth. If you like it more tangy, add a bit more lemon juice.
  • Finish with fresh herbs and extra pepper. Serve with lemon wedges and more Parmesan.

Notes

If using a smaller lemon, zest ⅔ to 1 lemon. Adjust lemon juice to taste. Parmesan rind can be tossed in while simmering for added flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 32gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 1024mgPotassium: 648mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 2322IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 214mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken soup, chicken soup with orzo, lemon chicken, lemon chicken orzo soup, lemon chicken soup, orzo soup
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