Description
Chicken Orzo Soup is a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly evenings. This comforting blend of tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a rich broth creates a deliciously hearty meal. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Enjoy every spoonful as this soup envelops you like a warm hug!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients by dicing the onion, carrots, celery, and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté for another 5 minutes until softened.
- Introduce the chicken breasts to the pot and stir to coat them in the aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Add orzo pasta and dried thyme; simmer for an additional 10 minutes until orzo is al dente.
- Remove chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, then return it to the soup.
- Finish with lemon juice before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added flavor depth, deglaze the pot with white wine after sautéing veggies. - Customize by adding leafy greens like spinach or swapping orzo for rice. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.