Savory Chicken Fennel Orzo Soup
Warm up with this delightful chicken soup that combines the unique flavor of fennel with tender orzo pasta. Packed with fresh vegetables, hearty chicken, and a hint of white wine, this comforting dish is perfect for chilly weather or anytime you're in need of a delicious meal. With lower fat options available for the stock, you can feel good about enjoying this nutritious soup. Flavorful and satisfying, it’s a family favorite that invites you to experiment with your own seasoning preferences.
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
fennel bulb
1 (chopped)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
chicken stock
4 cups (reduced fat or low sodium recommended)
water
2 cups (none)
carrots
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cubed cooked chicken breasts
2 cups (cooked)
uncooked orzo pasta
1/2 cup (none)
white wine
1/4 cup (none)
fennel leaves
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large soup kettle, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped fennel bulb and onion, sautéing until the fennel is softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Pour in the chicken stock and water, and then add the chopped carrots, salt, dried thyme, dried basil, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once simmered, gently stir in the cubed cooked chicken, uncooked orzo pasta, and white wine.
5
Cover the pot and continue to cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the soup is heated through.
6
Before serving, stir in the finely chopped fennel leaves for a fresh garnish and additional flavor.
7
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as desired before ladling into bowls.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken Fennel Orzo Soup?
It is a comforting and nutritious soup that combines the unique flavor of fennel with tender orzo pasta, chicken, and fresh vegetables.
How many calories are in this soup?
One serving of this soup contains 125 calories.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include fennel bulb, onion, olive oil, chicken stock, carrots, cooked chicken breasts, orzo pasta, and white wine.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 7.5g of protein.
Is this soup low in fat?
Yes, the recipe contains only 2.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does it have?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I sauté the fennel and onion?
Sauté the fennel and onion for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
What kind of chicken stock is recommended?
Reduced fat or low sodium chicken stock is recommended for a healthier option.
When do I add the orzo pasta?
The uncooked orzo pasta should be added after the soup has simmered for 15 minutes.
How long does the orzo take to cook?
The orzo takes approximately 20 minutes to cook until tender within the soup.
Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with additional chicken stock or a bit of lemon juice if preferred.
What dried herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried basil.
How should I prepare the fennel bulb?
The fennel bulb should be chopped before being sautéed.
What is the purpose of adding fennel leaves at the end?
Adding finely chopped fennel leaves at the end provides a fresh garnish and an extra boost of flavor.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be stored and reheated.
How much water is added to the stock?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of water in addition to the 4 cups of chicken stock.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but typically you should use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
What type of chicken is best for this soup?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken breasts.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, as written it contains orzo, which is a wheat-based pasta. You would need to use a gluten-free pasta substitute.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken soup, fennel, orzo, healthy soup, quick meal, comfort food, low fat, and family recipe.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
The specific fiber content is not provided in the nutritional data, though the vegetables contribute some.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of olive oil for sautéing.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can easily experiment by adding other vegetables like celery or spinach.
What size should the chicken be cut into?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized cubes.
How much salt is in the soup?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the soup spicy?
No, it is a savory soup seasoned with thyme, basil, and a small amount of pepper.
What is orzo?
Orzo is a thin, oval, rice-shaped pasta.
Can I use a different onion?
The recipe calls for a medium onion, but yellow or white onions work well.
Do I need a specific pot for this?
A large soup kettle or Dutch oven is recommended for preparation.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the soup after the final cooking stage and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired before serving.