Zesty Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup
Delight in the refreshing flavors of this Zesty Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup, a light yet satisfying dish perfect for any time of year. This healthy recipe combines tender chunks of chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and whole wheat orzo in a wholesome, lemony broth that's sure to brighten your day. Ideal for a family dinner or for meal prep, this soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs, for an uplifting meal that warms both the body and soul.
4
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
4 teaspoons (divided)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
8 ounces (cut into small chunks)
Salt
to taste
Onion
1 medium (diced (about 1 1/2 cups))
Celery
2 stalks (diced (about 1/2 cup))
Carrot
1 medium (diced (about 1/2 cup))
Fresh Thyme
2 teaspoons (chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried))
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
6 cups
Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta
1 cup
Large Eggs
2
Fresh Lemon Juice
3 tablespoons
Black Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, then add them to the pot. Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
2
In the same pot, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion, celery, carrot, and chopped thyme. Sauté the mixture over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5 minutes.
3
Pour in 5 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the orzo is tender, about 8 minutes.
4
Lower the heat to maintain a warm temperature without boiling. In a small saucepan, warm the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth over low heat until hot (but not boiling).
5
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually whisk the lemon juice into the eggs, followed by the hot broth, whisking continuously to temper the eggs and avoid scrambling them.
6
Slowly stir the lemon-egg mixture into the pot of soup, stirring constantly until well combined and the soup slightly thickens. Be careful not to let the soup boil at this stage.
7
Add the cooked chicken back to the pot, stir to combine, and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional thyme or lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
3.75
Fat
18.75
Carbs
13.75
Protein
1.25
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup?
It is a refreshing, light, and healthy soup featuring tender chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and whole wheat orzo in a lemony broth.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving of Zesty Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup contains approximately 150 calories.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy dish, being low in fat and packed with nutrients from vegetables and lean protein.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What type of chicken should I use for this soup?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breast cut into small chunks.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 3.75 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 18.75 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup provides 13.75 grams of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in the Zesty Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup?
Yes, there is approximately 1.25 grams of fiber per serving.
What vegetables are needed for this recipe?
You will need one medium onion, two stalks of celery, and one medium carrot.
What kind of pasta is used in this soup?
The recipe uses 1 cup of whole wheat orzo pasta.
How do I temper the eggs for the broth?
Beat the eggs, whisk in lemon juice, and then gradually whisk in a cup of hot broth to prevent the eggs from scrambling before adding them to the pot.
How long should I cook the orzo?
The orzo should be simmered in the broth for about 8 minutes until it is tender.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
How long does it take to sauté the chicken?
Sauté the chicken chunks for about 5 minutes until they are no longer pink in the center.
Can I add lemon wedges to the finished dish?
Yes, serving the soup with lemon wedges is a great way to add extra zest.
What should I use to garnish the soup?
You can garnish the soup with fresh thyme or lemon wedges.
Does this soup contain olive oil?
Yes, the recipe uses a total of 4 teaspoons of olive oil, divided for sautéing chicken and vegetables.
Can this soup be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal recipe for meal prep and can be easily reheated.
What prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to the soup?
The tempering process—gradually adding hot broth to the egg and lemon mixture—prevents scrambling.
Is this soup spicy?
No, it is a savory and zesty soup. You can add black pepper to taste for a mild kick.
Should the soup boil after adding the egg mixture?
No, you should be careful not to let the soup boil after the lemon-egg mixture is added to avoid curdling.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil and sautéing the seasoned chicken pieces until cooked through.
Can I use regular orzo instead of whole wheat?
Yes, you can substitute regular orzo, though whole wheat orzo adds more nutrients.
What are the main flavor profiles of this soup?
The main flavors are zesty lemon, savory chicken, and fresh aromatic herbs like thyme.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-sodium diet?
Since it uses low sodium chicken broth and fresh ingredients, it is a good choice for those monitoring salt intake.
How long does the vegetable sauté take?
The onion, celery, and carrot should be sautéed for approximately 5 minutes until tender.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in this Zesty Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup recipe.