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Lemony Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe

Lemony Chicken & Orzo Soup

This Lemony Chicken & Orzo Soup is a bright and comforting dish, perfect for a light lunch or soothing dinner. Infused with fresh lemon juice and dotted with tender chicken and pasta, it’s a flavorful twist on classic chicken soup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 liter chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 300 grams cooked, shredded chicken breast about 2 cups
  • 120 grams orzo pasta, uncooked about 2/3 cup
  • 2 medium lemons, juiced about 1/4 cup juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley plus extra for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 citrus juicer (optional)
  • 1 ladle

Method
 

  1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the veggies are softened.
  2. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Add shredded chicken and uncooked orzo to the pot. Stir well.
  5. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
  6. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped dill or parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon or salt if desired.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges if you like.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the chicken—add extra veggies or chickpeas instead.
Soup thickens as it sits; add more water or broth to reach your preferred consistency before reheating.