Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
=

Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This easy lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is a weeknight hero, quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and uses simple ingredients. It’s a perfect balance of bright, zesty lemon and savory chicken in a light yet satisfying broth with tender orzo pasta, ideal for a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 12 lemons)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

  • Instructions

    1. 1. Saute the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

    2. 2. Soften the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent and softened. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

    3. 3. Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Stir in the dried oregano and black pepper. Bring the broth to a gentle boil.

    4. 4. Cook the Orzo: Once the broth is boiling, add the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

    5. 5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted completely.

    6. 6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: simmering
    • Cuisine: mediterranean

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1.5 cups

    Keywords: chicken soup, orzo soup, lemon chicken, weeknight meal, comfort food, easy soup, healthy soup, mediterranean, quick dinner, family friendly