Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a bright and comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the heartiness of traditional chicken soup with the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine. This soul-warming soup features tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a lemony broth that’s both invigorating and soothing.

This soup traces its roots to Greek avgolemono soup, a traditional recipe dating back to the Mediterranean cuisine of the 5th century BC. While the classic version uses eggs for thickening, this modern adaptation focuses on the bright citrus notes and tender orzo pasta while maintaining the soup’s comforting qualities.

According to the Mediterranean Diet Foundation, soups like this one are a cornerstone of the health-promoting Mediterranean diet, combining lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh vegetables in a single nourishing dish. The addition of lemon not only provides a distinctive flavor but also boosts the soup’s vitamin C content, making it an excellent choice during cold and flu season.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Ingredients

The Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

The Chicken and Orzo

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
• Zest of 1 lemon

For Finishing

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Preparing the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
4. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves, oregano, and thyme
5. Bring to a boil

Cooking the Chicken

1. Add whole chicken breasts to the boiling broth
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through
3. Remove chicken and let cool slightly
4. Shred chicken using two forks
5. Return shredded chicken to the pot

Adding Orzo and Finishing

1. Add orzo to the simmering soup
2. Cook for 7-9 minutes until orzo is al dente
3. Stir in lemon juice and zest
4. Add spinach and cook until just wilted
5. Remove bay leaves
6. Stir in fresh dill
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Nutritional Information For Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

According to Harvard School of Public Health, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup provides a well-balanced meal with several key nutrients. Per serving (1.5 cups):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Vitamin C: 25% DV
• Iron: 15% DV
• Calcium: 8% DV

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Cooking Tips and Variations

Pro Tips

• Use homemade chicken stock for the richest flavor
• Cook orzo separately if planning to store leftovers to prevent it from becoming mushy
• Add lemon juice just before serving to maintain its bright flavor
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust consistency if needed

Variations

1. Mediterranean Style:
   • Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese
   • Incorporate fresh oregano and mint
2. Vegetable-Heavy Version:
   • Add zucchini and yellow squash
   • Include bell peppers for extra color and vitamins
3. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Replace orzo with quinoa or rice
   • Use gluten-free pasta alternatives

Wine and Beverage Pairings With Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Wine Selections

• Pinot Grigio: Its citrus notes complement the lemon in the soup
• Assyrtiko: A Greek white wine that pairs perfectly with Mediterranean flavors
• Sauvignon Blanc: Its acidity matches well with the lemony broth

Non-Alcoholic Options

1. Sparkling Water with Lemon
2. Greek Mountain Tea
3. Chamomile Tea
4. Fresh Mint Lemonade

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

• Warm crusty bread or pita for dipping
• Greek salad with feta and olives
• Garlic bread with olive oil and herbs
• Fresh bruschetta

Presentation Tips

• Serve in warmed bowls to maintain temperature
• Garnish with:
  • Fresh dill sprigs
  • Lemon wedges
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Health Benefits Of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup offers numerous health benefits:

1. Immune System Support
   • Vitamin C from lemons boosts immunity
   • Garlic and onions provide antioxidants
   • Bone broth offers immune-supporting minerals
2. Digestive Health
   • Light and easily digestible ingredients
   • Fiber from vegetables aids digestion
   • Herbs support digestive function
3. Hydration and Electrolytes
   • Broth helps maintain fluid balance
   • Natural sodium and potassium from ingredients
   • Good source of minerals

FAQs About Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Q: Can I make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup ahead of time? A: Yes, but it’s best to cook the orzo separately and add it when reheating. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months without the orzo.

Q: How can I make this soup gluten-free? A: Replace the orzo with gluten-free pasta, rice, or quinoa. Ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free as well.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken? A: Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken. Add it near the end of cooking, just long enough to heat through.

Q: Why did my orzo absorb all the broth? A: Orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits. Cook it separately or add extra broth when reheating. For leftovers, store orzo separately from the soup.

Time to Get Cooking!

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is more than just a meal – it’s a bowl of comfort that brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors with classic chicken soup. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, looking for a satisfying lunch, or simply craving something both nourishing and delicious, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Remember to share your creations on social media using #LemonChickenOrzoSoup and don’t forget to save this recipe for those days when you need a boost of comfort and flavor. Happy cooking!

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