Name: Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 large lemon (zest and juice); 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Savor Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, a bright, comforting dish with tender chicken, fluffy orzo, and vibrant lemon. This soothing stovetop meal is perfect for healthy dinners, delivering Mediterranean warmth with minimal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a revitalizing, family-favorite dish that combines juicy chicken, hearty orzo, and fresh vegetables in a tangy lemon broth, perfect for chilly evenings or immune-boosting meals. This budget-friendly recipe is incredibly easy, simmering to perfection with minimal effort and one pot. Its versatility allows for veggie and herb tweaks, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Packed with protein, vitamin C, and soothing comfort, this soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or salad, offering a restaurant-quality, nourishing bowl that’s as delicious as it is simple to prepare.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Shred Chicken Easily: Use two forks while warm for quick shredding.
Cook Orzo Separately: Prevent mushiness; add at the end.
Use Fresh Lemon: Zest and juice for brightest flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion and garlic until golden for depth.
Adjust Lemon: Taste and add more juice for extra zing.
Garnish Fresh: Add dill or parsley just before serving.

Yield: 6 Servings

Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, a bright, comforting dish perfect for healthy dinners.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 cup orzo pasta
1 large lemon (zest and juice)
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 medium carrots, diced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

Prep Chicken: Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Chop Veggies: Dice onion, carrots, and mince garlic.

Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot; sauté onion and carrots for 5 minutes.

Add Garlic: Stir in garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces; cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned.

Pour Broth: Add chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; bring to boil.

Simmer Soup: Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is tender.

Cook Orzo: Boil orzo separately; drain and set aside.

Finish with Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and dill; taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve with Flair: Add orzo to bowls, ladle soup over, garnish with dill, and enjoy this zesty warmth!

Notes

Cook orzo separately to control texture; add to bowls when serving.
Add lemon juice at the end to preserve bright flavor.
Leftovers thicken; add broth when reheating.
Serve with crusty bread, lemon wedges, or a green salad.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 289Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 92mgSodium 435mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 27g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken Breast, Boneless: Thighs for juicier; breasts for leaner.
Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta; rice or ditalini substitute.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium controls saltiness; vegetable for lighter.
Lemon: Fresh for zest and juice; bottled juice in a pinch.
Carrots: Diced for sweetness; celery for classic mirepoix.
Onion: Yellow onion builds savory base; leeks for milder.
Garlic: Freshly minced for aroma; powder quick.
Dill: Fresh dill adds brightness; parsley or thyme alternative.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use turkey, shrimp, or chickpeas for vegetarian.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or rice.
Low-Sodium: Reduce broth salt; enhance with herbs.
Veggie Add-Ins: Include spinach, kale, or zucchini.
Creamy Version: Stir in cream or Greek yogurt at end.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes.
Herb Variations: Swap dill for basil or oregano.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days; orzo separate if possible.
Freezer: Freeze broth and chicken for up to 3 months; add fresh orzo.
Reheating: Warm gently; add water to thin.
Meal Prep: Portion for easy healthy lunches.