Description
A vibrant and comforting Mediterranean-inspired Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup featuring tender shredded chicken, delicate orzo pasta, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works well)
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1–2 lemons (about ¼ cup, to taste)
- 1 egg (optional, for added creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic and dried oregano to the vegetables, sautéing for an additional 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma.
- Boil Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil to combine the flavors.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches tenderness.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Incorporate the shredded chicken, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Optional Creamy Egg Addition: For a creamier texture, whisk one egg in a small bowl. Slowly temper the egg by adding ½ cup of hot soup broth while whisking. Gradually stir the tempered egg back into the soup and cook gently until the soup slightly thickens, making sure not to boil.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat, stir in chopped fresh parsley, and adjust lemon juice or seasoning as desired. Serve warm, garnished with a lemon slice if preferred.
Notes
- For extra heartiness, add a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- You can prepare this soup with uncooked chicken by simmering it longer before shredding.
- Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
