Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is cozy and full of flavor. It comes together in roughly 30 minutes and is easy to make. Toasted orzo is cooked in flavorful chicken broth along with seasoned chicken and a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest. The chicken is incredibly tender and delicious. Make extra soup and freeze the leftovers. It heats up well!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is cozy and full of flavor. It comes together in roughly 30 minutes and is easy to make. Toasted orzo is cooked in flavorful chicken broth along with seasoned chicken and a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest. The chicken is incredibly tender and delicious. Make extra soup and freeze the leftovers. It heats up well!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup orzo
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 8 cups chicken broth
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, stir together seasonings for chicken. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to adhere the seasonings to the chicken. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add orzo and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly brown/toast the orzo.
3. Add in the celery, carrots and onion. Cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently, to soften the vegetables.
4. Add in the remaining ingredients to the pot, including the seasoned chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F. Turn off the heat.
5. Take the chicken out of the pot, and shred with two forks. Add the chicken back to the pot. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper and additional lemon juice if desired. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
