Sunny Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Craving Comfort? Let's Talk Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Ever get that feeling? You just need a big bowl of something warm and comforting. Honestly, this lemon chicken orzo soup is exactly that.

It's bright, lemony, and packed with goodness. This isn't just chicken soup.

A Taste of the Mediterranean, on Your Table

This recipe's inspired by Greek Avgolemono Soup Recipe , known for its tangy lemon and egg broth. It’s an easy soup recipe , perfect for a weeknight dinner recipe .

And trust me, it’ll warm you right up.

It's a relatively simple recipe. It takes only 50 minutes, from start to finish. This recipe yields about 6 servings, so there's enough for the whole family.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Orzo Soup

Besides being delicious, it's actually pretty good for you! Chicken provides lean protein. Plus, lemon is packed with vitamin C.

It's the kind of comfort food recipes that makes you feel good, inside and out. It's also naturally dairy-free, which is a win.

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is ideal for chilly evenings. It feels like a warm hug in a bowl. What makes it special? The bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness.

You know, that perfect balance.

Ready to get cooking? Let's dive into the ingredients for this wonderful Orzo Soup .

Alright, let’s dive into what you need to make this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup . It's simpler than you think! Seriously, if I can do it, so can you.

Ingredients & Equipment For The Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

You know, sometimes the quality of your ingredients can truly make or break a dish. This is especially true for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup .

Main Ingredients: What You Need, and How to Spot the Good Stuff

• Olive Oil : 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Go for extra virgin. It adds a lovely flavour.

• Yellow Onion : 1 medium, diced (about 1 cup / 150g ).

• Carrots : 2 medium, diced (about 1 cup / 120g ). Look for bright orange, firm carrots.

• Celery : 2 stalks, diced (about 1 cup / 120g ).

• Garlic : 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is always best.

• Chicken Broth : 8 cups ( 1.9 liters ). Low sodium is your best bet here. We want to control the salt!

• Chicken Breasts : 1 pound ( 450g ), boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces.

• Orzo Pasta : 1 cup (about 100g ).

• Dried Thyme : 1/2 teaspoon .

• Red Pepper Flakes : 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Add if you want a bit of kick!

• Salt and Pepper : To taste.

• Eggs : 3 large. For the lemon egg tempering.

• Lemons : 2 , juiced (about 1/3 cup / 80 ml ). Use the real deal, trust me on this.

• Fresh Parsley : For garnish.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Soup

This chicken orzo really shines with simple flavors. Thyme is key. Red pepper flakes give a hint of heat. Don't skip the lemon! Honestly, freshly squeezed lemon juice is so, so important here.

It's what makes this more than just another chicken orzo soup dish. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.

If you're short on thyme, oregano works too. You can experiment with the flavours to make your own Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

You don't need fancy equipment for a killer avgolemono soup recipe . A good pot is essential, and a whisk is your best friend when tempering the eggs.

If you don't have a chef's knife, a good utility knife will work just fine. This really is one of those easy soup recipes perfect for a weeknight dinner recipes .

It's such a great comfort food recipes , you'll make it again and again!.

Alright, let's dive into how to nail this amazing lemon chicken orzo soup . Honestly, it’s easier than you think. Think of this as your guide to comfort food heaven.

Cooking Method: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Bliss

This isn’t just about following steps. It’s about understanding the why . We're aiming for a bowl of sunshine, inspired by that classic Greek Avgolemono Soup Recipe , but quicker for a weeknight.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Matters

First things first, get organized. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic. Having everything ready saves you time and stress later.

This is key for any of the Easy Soup Recipes . It takes about 20 minutes .

step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!

1. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for about 5- 7 minutes .
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute . Smells amazing, right?
3. Pour in 8 cups chicken broth, add 1 pound diced chicken, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 8- 10 minutes , until chicken is cooked.
4. Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta. Cook according to package directions, usually around 8- 10 minutes . Don't overcook it!
5. Whisk 3 large eggs and juice of 2 lemons in a bowl. This is the magic !
6. Slowly whisk 1 cup of hot soup broth into the egg mixture. This tempers the eggs. Prevents scrambling, trust me!
7. Pour tempered egg mixture into the soup pot, whisking constantly. Cook on low heat for 1- 2 minutes . Don't boil! We're after creamy, not curdled.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Soup Success

• Don’t boil the soup after adding the lemon egg mixture! Eggs will curdle and nobody wants that. Keep the heat low, like simmer .
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled stuff just doesn't have the same oomph.

And there you have it, my friend! Your bowl of sunny lemon chicken orzo soup . Perfect for a cosy night in, or whenever you need a bit of cheering up.

I hope you love this recipe, and please let me know if you try it!

Recipe Notes That Really Matter

Alright, let's chat about some key things to keep in mind while making this incredible Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup . These are the bits that'll take your soup from "meh" to "OMG!".

Honestly, these are game changers.

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation is everything, right? Ladle your Chicken Orzo Soup into bowls. A swirl of olive oil on top adds a fancy touch.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Lemon wedges on the side are a must. Imagine serving this with warm, crusty bread! A simple salad with a light vinaigrette would also be amazing.

A glass of crisp white wine? Chef's kiss!

Storing and Saving: Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Orzo Soup keeps well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it, but the orzo might get a little soft. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop.

Don't blast it in the microwave unless you're in a mega rush.

Remixing the Classics: Variations on a Theme

Want to switch things up? No problem! For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken. Use vegetable broth. Add chickpeas for protein.

Need a dairy-free option? This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is naturally dairy-free already!. Just make sure your broth is dairy-free too.

Wanna add some heat? Throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the red pepper flakes. Boom! For the pasta, you could use ditalini or acini di pepe instead of the orzo.

You know? It's all about what you fancy!. You can make this Lemon Chicken Soup with rice, also.

Fueling Your Body: Nutrition Lowdown

Each serving of this soup has about 350 calories. You also get 30g of protein, 15g of fat, and 25g of carbs.

It is full of protein, and is great Comfort Food Recipes . Chicken Orzo is a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Especially if you load it up with veggies. Bone broth is a great way to get extra nutritional benefit as well.

It's a feel good food that's good for you too.

The End Note: Get Ready, Get Set, Cook!

So there you have it. All the little tips and tricks for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup success. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! This Chicken Orzo Soup is super easy.

These Easy Soup Recipes will become your family favorite for Weeknight Dinner Recipes . Grab your ingredients. Get in the kitchen.

Have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lemon chicken orzo soup ahead of time? Like, batch cooking for the win?

Absolutely! The soup itself can be made a day or two in advance. However, it's best to add the lemon egg tempering just before serving. This will prevent the orzo from becoming too soft and the soup from getting too thick. You know, nobody wants a gloopy situation!

How do I store leftover lemon chicken orzo soup, and how long will it last?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Be aware that the orzo will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup may thicken upon refrigeration. You might need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

A bit like reviving last night's leftover takeaway curry!

Help! My eggs curdled when I added them. What did I do wrong with the lemon chicken orzo soup?

Curdled eggs are a common mishap, but easily avoided! The key is tempering: slowly whisking hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture before adding it to the pot. This gradually raises the eggs' temperature and prevents them from cooking too quickly and scrambling.

Also, make sure not to boil the soup after adding the egg mixture low and slow is the name of the game, like a proper cuppa!

Is there a vegetarian version of this lemon chicken orzo soup? I'm trying to be more "Meat Free Monday" friendly.

You bet! Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken. Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for protein and some extra heartiness. You could even throw in some extra veggies like spinach or kale for an added boost. Think of it as the vegetarian cousin of the classic!

Can I use different types of pasta in this lemon chicken orzo soup? I've got a cupboard full of odds and ends.

While orzo is traditional and works beautifully, you can definitely experiment! Ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small elbow macaroni would all be good substitutes. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may cook at different rates.

Undercook them slightly, remembering they'll continue to cook a bit in the hot broth.

Is this lemon chicken orzo soup healthy? I'm trying to eat better, but I love comfort food!

This soup can be a healthy and satisfying meal! It's packed with protein from the chicken, and you get some veggies in there too. To keep it on the lighter side, use low-sodium chicken broth and don't be shy with the lemon juice it adds a ton of flavor without extra calories. It's all about balance, innit?