Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any time of the year. This soup is packed with flavors and nutrients, making it a favorite for families. Its bright and zesty taste from the lemon combined with hearty chicken and vegetables creates a warming meal that feels good to eat. Plus, it is quite simple to make, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- Roasted chicken
- Orzo pasta
- Onions
- Celery
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Chicken broth
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
- In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and diced roasted chicken. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Add the spinach and lemon juice towards the end of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can add some fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top for extra flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down first. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the spinach until you’re ready to eat it again.
Tips to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Use leftover roasted chicken to save time.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste.
- You can add other vegetables like peas or corn for more variety.
- If you want a creamier soup, add a splash of cream at the end.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead. Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty dish.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of roasted chicken?
Yes, you can add uncooked chicken to the broth and cook it until done, then shred it before serving.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
You can replace the orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta or rice option.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just add them when you would normally add the fresh vegetables.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Roasted chicken, diced Use leftover roasted chicken to save time.
- 1 cup Orzo pasta Adjust the amount based on serving size.
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2 stalks Celery, diced
- 2 medium Carrots, diced
- 2 cups Spinach, fresh Add at the end of cooking.
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice Adjust according to taste.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and diced roasted chicken. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Add the spinach and lemon juice towards the end of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.