Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
As the seasons shift from winter to spring, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup strikes the perfect balance between comfort and freshness. The warmth of the chicken and orzo brings a sense of coziness, while the bright lemon juice adds a refreshing twist that makes it feel light and vibrant. It’s an ideal dish for those chilly spring evenings when you still crave something warm but want to welcome the new season with open arms.
The preparation is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. Sautéing the vegetables first allows their flavors to develop, creating a rich base for the soup. The addition of garlic and Italian seasoning elevates the taste, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor. Plus, the use of chicken thighs or breasts means you can customize it to your preference.
One of the highlights of this recipe is the versatility it offers. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, whether it’s swapping out the chicken for a vegetarian option or adding in extra veggies. The soup is not only delicious but also a great way to use up any leftover ingredients in your fridge.
Overall, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of spring. It’s comforting yet refreshing, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Don’t forget to serve it with some garlic toast for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Gather two medium carrots, two stalks of celery, and half a medium onion.
Peel and chop the carrot, chop the celery, and chop the onion using a vegetable chopper.
Heat a pot on medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter.
Add the chopped veggies to the pot and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes.
Trim chicken thighs or breasts for the soup.
Add about three cloves of jarred garlic to the pot and cook for 30 seconds.
Tip: Use jarred garlic for quicker preparation.
Stir in a couple of tablespoons of flour and cook for about a minute.
Add six cups of low-sodium chicken broth to the pot.
Add Italian seasoning to the broth.
Tip: Add more Italian seasoning than the recipe calls for to enhance flavor.
Add the chicken thighs or breasts whole into the pot.
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil.
Put the lid on slightly ajar and reduce heat to let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Get about a cup of orzo ready to add to the soup.
Add the orzo to the soup and cook for about 10 minutes.
Tip: Stir orzo every couple of minutes to prevent sticking.
Tip: Use a non-stick pot or a caraway pot to avoid sticking.
Chop a lemon in half and chop parsley for garnish.
Squeeze lemon juice into the soup and add chopped parsley.
Taste the soup and add more lemon juice, salt, and pepper if needed.
Tip: Taste and adjust lemon juice to your preference for more flavor.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it.
Serve the soup with garlic toast.
Heat a large skillet on the stove.
Slice the kobasa into rounds.
Add olive oil to the skillet and brown the kobasa.
Dice a small onion to add to the skillet.
Add diced onion to the skillet with the kobasa.
Chop a small head of cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Wash the chopped cabbage in a salad spinner.
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet.
Add salt and pepper to the cabbage and cook until tender.
Tip: Add a little liquid to cabbage to help it steam while cooking.
Pour half of the vinaigrette over the cabbage and toss.
Tip: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust according to your flavor preference.
Turn off the heat and serve the cabbage dish.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!
Interesting Tidbits
- •Lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the flavor of the soup.
- •Orzo is a type of pasta that resembles rice and cooks quickly.
- •Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the overall sodium content of the dish.
- •Sautéing vegetables before adding broth enhances their flavors.
