Description
A comforting lemon chicken orzo soup with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and bright lemon flavors perfect for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
1 cup uncooked orzo
1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, or to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large soup pot, sauté the celery, carrots, and onions with the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring until the flour dissolves. Add the Italian seasoning and chicken breasts, then bring the soup to a boil.
Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, reduce the heat, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in the orzo and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.
Remove the chicken from the pot, chop it into pieces, and return it to the soup.
Add the lemon juice (adjust to taste), parsley, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust lemon juice and seasonings to taste for best flavor balance.
Use low sodium chicken broth if preferred to control saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 70