Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This hearty and refreshing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combines the brightness of fresh lemons with the comforting goodness of rotisserie chicken and succulent orzo pasta. Modified from a Cooking Light recipe, it features an array of fresh vegetables sautéed to perfection, ensuring each spoonful bursts with flavor. Ideal for warm family gatherings or a soothing meal on a chilly day, this soup can be elevated with a sprinkle of grated Romano cheese, adding a savory richness that complements the citrus notes beautifully. Quick and easy to prepare using store-bought ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
236
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
9 cups (preferably low-sodium)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (extra virgin)
carrots
1 1/3 cups (chopped)
onions
1 1/3 cups (chopped)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
fresh thyme
1 teaspoon (freshly chopped)
salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
rotisserie-cooked chicken
1 (shredded (about 3 cups))
orzo pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
lemon rind
2 1/2 teaspoons (grated)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (juiced from fresh lemons)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (coarsely cracked, optional)
romano cheese
1/4 cup (grated, optional)
Instructions
1
1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
2. Add the chopped carrots, onions, celery, minced garlic, fresh thyme, grated lemon rind, and salt. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and are fragrant.
3
3. Incorporate the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pot, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4
4. Once boiling, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and uncooked orzo pasta. Reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
5
5. Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley to add brightness to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6
6. Serve hot, garnished with coarsely cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of grated Romano cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
1.9g
Fat
25g
Carbs
13.5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
It is a hearty and refreshing soup that combines fresh lemons, rotisserie chicken, and orzo pasta in a savory broth with vegetables.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is designed to be quick and easy by using store-bought ingredients like rotisserie chicken.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 236 calories.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of uncooked orzo pasta.
How much protein does this soup provide?
There are 13.5 grams of protein per serving.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The soup includes 1 1/3 cups of chopped carrots, 1 1/3 cups of chopped onions, and 1 cup of chopped celery.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe calls for 9 cups of chicken stock, preferably low-sodium.
What is the fat content per serving?
This soup is low in fat, containing only 1.9 grams per serving.
How much chicken should I use?
You will need one shredded rotisserie-cooked chicken, which yields about 3 cups of meat.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and herbs for about 5-7 minutes.
What is the simmer time for the orzo?
Once added to the boiling stock, the orzo should simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is lemon rind used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 1/2 teaspoons of grated lemon rind for extra zest.
What fresh herbs are recommended?
Fresh thyme and fresh flat-leaf parsley are used to flavor and brighten the soup.
Can I add cheese to this soup?
Yes, a sprinkle of grated Romano cheese is recommended as an optional savory garnish.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses one minced garlic clove.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the soup?
Each serving contains 1.5 grams of fiber.
What should I use to cook the soup?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for preparation.
When should I add the parsley?
Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving to maintain its brightness.
Is the salt amount fixed?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of salt, but it can be adjusted to taste.
What type of pepper is suggested for garnishing?
Coarsely cracked black pepper is suggested as an optional garnish.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features a high protein-to-fat ratio.
Was this recipe inspired by another source?
Yes, this recipe was modified from a Cooking Light recipe.
What are the main flavor profiles?
The soup is described as zesty, refreshing, and comforting due to the lemon and herbs.
Is the orzo cooked separately?
No, the uncooked orzo is added directly to the boiling stock and cooked in the soup.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include soup, chicken, orzo, lemon, comfort food, easy recipe, healthy, and clear soup.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The rotisserie chicken should be shredded before being added to the pot.
How do I know when the vegetables are ready during sautéing?
They are ready when they begin to soften and become fragrant, usually after 5-7 minutes.