Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bowl of sunshine? This lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is just the ticket. Honestly, have you ever tried chicken noodle soup with a Mediterranean twist?
Brief Overview
This soup takes inspiration from the classic Greek Avgolemono Soup Recipe , simplified for busy weeknights. Originating in the Mediterranean, this Mediterranean Chicken Soup is known for its bright, citrusy flavors.
Ready in under 45 minutes, it's an Easy Soup Recipe that yields 6 hearty servings.
Main Benefits
This Chicken Soup with Lemon and Herbs is a fantastic source of protein and Vitamin C. Perfect for a chilly evening or when you're feeling a bit under the weather, it is the Comfort Food Soup to boost your mood.
What makes this lemon chicken orzo soup special? The vibrant lemon broth and the delicate Orzo Pasta Soup , of course! It is truly a hug in a bowl.
Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on those . After having a proper butcher's at that recipe, here's what I reckon we need: Chicken Orzo Soup , Lemon Chicken Soup , Greek Lemon Chicken Soup , and a few bits and bobs from the garden, after having a proper butcher's.
Now that your taste buds are tingling, let's dive into the ingredients !
Ingredients & Equipment: Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Alright, right then! Let's get cracking on the ingredients for this delightful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup . Honestly, it's easier than you think! After having a proper butcher's at that recipe, here's what I reckon we need: It's like a warm hug in a bowl, this Chicken Orzo Soup .
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for sautéing those lovely veggies.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g). Go for a yellow onion; it's nice and sweet.
- Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and chopped (approx. 1 cup / 120g). Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped (approx. ½ cup / 60g). Don't skip this, it adds depth!
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better, you know?
- Chicken broth: 8 cups , low sodium (approx. 2 liters). Good quality broth is key for Chicken Soup with Lemon and Herbs !
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon .
- Bay leaf: 1 . Adds a subtle background flavour.
- Chicken breasts: 1 pound , boneless, skinless (approx. 450g). Quality matters here, so try and source a decent bit of bird.
- Orzo pasta: 1 cup (approx. 100g). This is why we call it Orzo Pasta Soup , innit?
- Lemon juice: ½ cup , freshly squeezed (approx. 120 ml). Freshly squeezed is essential .
- Parsley: ¼ cup , chopped fresh, plus more for garnish.
- Eggs: 2 large .
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (approx. 30 ml).
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters
This Mediterranean Chicken Soup gets its zing from lemon and herbs. Oregano and thyme are a classic combo. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
No fresh parsley? Dried parsley will do in a pinch, but fresh is best, believe me. For the ultimate Greek Lemon Chicken Soup experience, don't skimp on the lemon!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large pot or Dutch oven. Get this going for the Avgolemono Soup Recipe !
- Cutting board and chef's knife.
- Citrus juicer.
- Whisk.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
You probably have most of this stuff already. If you don't have a citrus juicer, you can squeeze the lemon by hand (just watch out for those pips!).
No Dutch oven? A large pot will work just fine. This Easy Soup Recipe is all about making do with what you've got.
It is such Comfort Food Soup and can be done with what you have.
Remember to check the internal temperature of the chicken. When you are doing Quick Weeknight Soup Recipes , use cooked chicken as an option to save time!
Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: Sunshine in a Bowl
Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on this incredibly tasty lemon chicken orzo soup . Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl and a perfect recipe for those quick weeknight soup recipes .
This is a simplified version of Avgolemono Soup Recipe that anyone can master. I think it is a great twist for Mediterranean Chicken Soup
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential Mise en Place : Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic. Squeeze your lemons. Basically, get everything ready to rock and roll.
- Time Saving Tips: Pre-chopped veggies are your friend! Or get the other half to do it.
- Safety First: Watch those fingers when chopping! A sharp knife is safer than a dull one, so keep it sharp.
Cooking Method: step-by-step
- Sauté those Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks . Cook until softened, around 5 minutes . Stir in 4 minced cloves of garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build Your Liquid Gold: Pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth . Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf . Bring that up to a simmer.
- Cook that Chicken: Add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the simmering broth. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) , about 15- 20 minutes . Take the chicken out and shred it.
- Orzo Time: Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions. Usually 8- 10 minutes .
- Avgolemono Magic: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until frothy. Temper the eggs by slowly drizzling in a few spoonfuls of hot broth, whisking like mad.
- Combine and Conquer: Slowly pour the egg mixture into the soup, stirring constantly. Make sure you don't boil it! Stir in the shredded chicken and ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley . Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve It Up: Take out the bay leaf. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with more fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.
Pro Tips for the best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Use good quality broth. It really does make all the difference.
- Don't boil the soup after adding the eggs, trust me on this one!
- A squeeze of extra lemon juice right before serving can really wake up the flavors and gives the Chicken Soup with Lemon and Herbs a great twist.
After having a proper butcher's at that recipe, here's what I reckon we need: Chicken Orzo Soup . This Easy Soup Recipe is the perfect Comfort Food Soup .
I think what people really want when they search for lemon chicken orzo soup is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal.
A soup that feels both classic and a little bit special. A recipe that works for a busy weeknight but is also impressive enough to serve to friends and family.
Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code to Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on those . After having a proper butcher's at that recipe, here's what I reckon we need to dive into: This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is fantastic, but a few pointers will make it even better.
Think of it as your Chicken Orzo Soup getting a serious glow-up. Honestly, it's a doddle once you get the hang of it.
Serving it Up Right
Plating and presentation ideas: Honestly, you can't go wrong with a simple bowl. But for extra flair, swirl a drizzle of olive oil on top.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is perfect. And a wedge of lemon? Absolute chef's kiss.
Complementary sides or beverages: Crusty bread is a must. Think of it like chips with curry. A green salad with lemon vinaigrette would be lovely.
As for drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc is the dogs...or Mediterranean Chicken Soup .
Keeping it Fresh
Refrigeration guidelines: The Easy Soup Recipe lasts for 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah?
Freezing options (if applicable): Chicken Soup with Lemon and Herbs freezes pretty well! Just let it cool completely before popping it in a freezer safe container. It'll keep for about 2-3 months.
Reheating instructions: Warm it up gently on the hob. Or, you can microwave it. Just be sure to stir it occasionally. Don't want any hot spots!
Tweaking the Classics
1-2 dietary adaptations: Need a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free orzo or even rice. Vegan? Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and ditch the chicken. Add some cannellini beans for protein.
Seasonal ingredient swaps: In winter, root vegetables like parsnips would be awesome. And in summer, fresh courgette or spinach would be lovely.
Turn this into the perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with a bit of feta.
Nutrition Nuggets
Simplified nutrition information: This is a fairly healthy Comfort Food Soup , packed with protein and vitamins. But keep an eye on the sodium, especially if you're using store-bought broth.
Roughly speaking, there are 280 calories per serving. Protein is around 25g, Fat is 8g and Carbohydrates at 25g .
Key health benefits: Chicken soup is great for colds, innit. And the lemon adds a boost of Vitamin C. It's the perfect Quick Weeknight Soup Recipes for a little health boost.
So there you have it! A few simple tweaks and serving suggestions to take your lemon chicken orzo soup to the next level.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Enjoy your Avgolemono Soup Recipe inspired creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lemon chicken orzo soup ahead of time? I'm proper knackered during the week, so anything to save time is brilliant!
You can definitely make this soup a day or two in advance! The flavors actually meld together even more beautifully overnight. Just be aware that the orzo will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a splash more broth when reheating.
Hold off on adding the final lemon juice and fresh parsley until just before serving for the brightest flavor.
My soup curdled after I added the egg mixture! What did I do wrong? Is it completely buggered?
Oh dear, curdling is a common soup mishap! The trick is to temper the eggs properly. Slowly whisk a few spoonfuls of the hot broth into the egg mixture before adding it to the main pot. This gently raises the egg mixture's temperature, preventing it from scrambling when it hits the hot soup.
Don't boil the soup after adding the egg mixture a gentle simmer is all you need! If it's only slightly curdled it is not entirely buggered, but it doesn't present very well to guests.
Is lemon chicken orzo soup healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you see.
This lemon chicken orzo soup can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. It's packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from the orzo.
To keep it even lighter, use low-sodium chicken broth and don't be shy with the lemon juice it's a fantastic way to add flavor without extra calories. Remember to check the nutrition label of the chicken broth that you are using!
Can I freeze this lemon chicken orzo soup? I always make too much!
Freezing this soup isn't ideal because the orzo pasta can become a bit mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the soup base before adding the orzo and the egg-lemon mixture. Then, when you're ready to eat, thaw the base, bring it to a simmer, and add the orzo, cooking it until tender.
Finish with the egg-lemon mixture and parsley as directed.
What kind of substitutions can I make for this lemon chicken orzo soup recipe? I haven't got any Orzo!
No worries, substitutions are totally doable! If you don't have orzo, ditalini or another small pasta shape will work just fine. You could also use leftover cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
For a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add chickpeas or cannellini beans for some extra protein, what.
I'm not a fan of really sour soups, will this lemon chicken orzo soup be too tangy?
The lemon flavor is definitely prominent, but it shouldn't be overwhelmingly sour. The key is to start with a smaller amount of lemon juice and then taste and adjust as needed. The richness of the chicken broth and the egg mixture help to balance the acidity, creating a bright and flavorful, but not overly tart, soup.
Remember to add lemon juice little by little until desired tartness is reached!
Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 280 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |