This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender chicken, cheerful orzo pasta, and a zing of fresh lemon that makes it super tasty.
Every time I make it, my kitchen smells amazing. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—perfect for a cozy night in! Enjoy it with a crusty bread, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This oil adds a nice flavor while cooking. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or even butter can work as alternatives.
Onion, Carrots, and Celery: These are your classic mirepoix—great for a soup base! If you don’t have these on hand, try using frozen mixed vegetables or even leeks for a mild sweet flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1/4 teaspoon. Remember that fresh brings more vivid flavor.
Orzo: This small pasta cooks quickly and soaks up flavor well. In a pinch, you could swap it for rice, quinoa, or any small pasta you have around.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super convenient! If you prefer a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu instead; just add them towards the end to warm through.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the soup. If you only have frozen spinach, that’s fine too—just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
Dill: This herb adds a nice touch. If you don’t have it, consider using parsley or thyme for a different yet tasty twist.
How Do I Ensure My Orzo Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo correctly is crucial for this soup. Here’s a quick guide to get it just right:
- Make sure your chicken broth is boiling before adding the orzo. This helps it cook evenly.
- Stir the orzo into the broth and keep the heat medium-low. This prevents it from sticking to the pot.
- Check for doneness at around 9 minutes, as it can go from al dente to mush quickly.
- Add the orzo back to the soup right before serving, as it will continue to soften.
If the soup gets too thick, feel free to mix in a bit more broth or water to loosen it up!
How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Crusty bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup will take about 25 minutes in total—10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these delicious vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and tender—this is where the soup starts to get its flavor!
2. Add Garlic:
Now it’s time to stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. Garlic makes everything better!
3. Bring to a Boil:
Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This will create a lovely base for your soup.
4. Cook the Orzo:
Once bubbling, add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
5. Combine Chicken and Spinach:
Next, add the shredded chicken, fresh spinach, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill into the pot. Gently stir until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. The fresh ingredients will add a burst of flavor!
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you feel it needs a bit more brightness, add a splash more lemon juice. Now, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot. If you’d like, pair it with some crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup! Perfect for cozy evenings! 🍋🥣
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it cooks properly!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Spinach?
If you don’t have fresh spinach on hand, you can use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just chop them into smaller pieces and add them to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking for the best texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo may absorb some broth as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the cooked chicken. You can add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture!
