Cozy Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup
Let’s just start by saying this is a must try soup! It’s a ready favorite and a family favorite. It’s nutritious, full of flavor, easy to prepare, cooks in one pot, and it’s the perfect pick me up, feel better soup. You’ll love it on a cold blistery day or even on a summery day with its vibrant lemony goodness. Serve it with fresh hearty buttered bread or a side salad to finish the meal. I think you’re going to love every last sip of this!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Thighs could be substituted just increase cook time slightly. Salt and pepper – Season to taste. Olive oil – Only a little is needed for sauteing the vegetables. Carrots, celery, yellow onion and garlic – This mirepoix blend build up the flavor of the soup. And these veggies make it more nutritious. Chicken broth – Or use my homemade chicken stock recipe to make it even better! Dried oregano and basil – Italian seasoning could be substituted. Parmesan rind (plus shredded parmesan for serving) – I love finding ways to use up those leftover rinds. They work perfectly for simmering in soup. Lemon – You’ll add both the juice and the zest so don’t forget to zest before halving and juicing. Spinach – Stick with fresh for best texture.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This soup is really easy to make. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
Can I Make it with Rotisserie or Leftover Chicken?
Yes. You can also make it with Rotisserie or leftover chicken breasts or thighs. If doing so wait to add cooked chicken until near the end of cooking.
Can I Make it in a Slow Cooker?
Yes. If you want make it in the crock pot:
Saute the veggies first then add to slow cooker along with other ingredients up to and including parmesan rind (keep chicken whole). Cook on low about 5 hours. Remove chicken. Add orzo to soup, cook on high heat until tender about 20 minutes or so. Return chicken, add lemon zest and juice and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts (should wilt within a minute or two).
Does it Freeze Well?
If you aren’t a soggy pasta snob (like myself) then yes this soup freezes really well as is. If on the other hand you don’t like soft pasta then cook the pasta separately (add a little less broth to the soup), then freeze the pasta separately as well. It will freeze up to 3 months.
More Delicious Soup Recipes to Try!
Chicken Tortilla Soup Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Spinach Tomato Tortellini Soup Zuppa Toscana Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Creamy Potato Soup
