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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 118 reviews

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and orzo pasta in a zesty lemon-infused broth. This easy-to-make soup is creamy yet light, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups finely chopped kale

Dairy & Oils

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3/4 cup half and half

Meat

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Pantry & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (like parsley and dill)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion along with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 6 minutes until vegetables soften.
  2. Add Aromatics and Spices: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, rubbed sage, and additional salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, to release the flavors.
  3. Add Main Ingredients: Stir in chopped kale, shredded rotisserie chicken, uncooked orzo pasta, chicken broth, half and half, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Simmer Soup: Increase heat to medium-high and cover the pot to bring the soup to a simmer. Then reduce heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 5 minutes until the orzo is al dente. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  5. Finish and Season: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh chopped herbs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
  6. Feedback: If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!

Notes

  • For a richer soup, use heavy cream instead of half and half.
  • Rotisserie chicken can be substituted with cooked shredded chicken breast.
  • To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley and dill brighten up the flavors; feel free to experiment with basil or thyme.
  • Do not overcook the orzo to maintain a pleasant texture.

Keywords: lemon chicken orzo soup, chicken soup, orzo pasta soup, comforting soup, creamy chicken soup

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe/