Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Easy And Healthy Wellplated Com

This is a bowl of good, clean, healthy, happy food.

Every flavorful bite makes me feel alive and nourished, and it comes together in a flash (like my favorite Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup).It’s light, bright, and packed with veggies, lean protein, and whole grains.With this array of nutritious ingredients, the lemon chicken orzo soup calories stay low without sacrificing any of the vibrant flavors.It will fill and warm you to your core, without weighing you down, and the leftovers are just as tasty as the day you make it. (This Chicken Stew is another that reheats like a dream!)

This soup is the sort of cozy midday pick-me-up I long for in the middle of a weekday (this Chicken Tortilla Soup is another quick weekday favorite). It’s hearty enough to satisfy me on a chilly evening and tasty enough to serve to guests too (especially with a side of Beer Bread).

How to Make Chicken Orzo Lemon Soup

While this soup bears some resemblance to other classic chicken and noodle soups (like this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup and this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup), a few important additions make it taste extra special and unique.

The Ingredients

Carrots + Celery + Onion. This all-important trio builds the soup’s flavor right from the start. This classic combo is also the base for my favorite Chicken Wild Rice Soup.Dried Basil. Basil pairs beautifully with the bright flavors in this soup.All-Purpose Flour. To help thicken the soup and make it a more creamy lemon chicken orzo soup (without the need for actual cream).Chicken Broth. The savory, comforting, and nutritious liquid base. Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the seasoning.

Chicken Breasts. Tender, perfectly-cooked chicken breasts are scrumptious in this soup (and this Baked Lemon Chicken recipe). Plus, chicken adds oodles of filling and lean protein.

Orzo. A small, quick-cooking pasta that looks similar to rice. It’s undeniably tasty and ideal for soups (and Shrimp Orzo with Lemon and Asparagus). I used whole wheat orzo for the added health benefits. Orzo pasta does get mushy in soup if it’s cooked too long, so it’s important to follow the cooking times listed and not let it overcook.

Spinach. An extremely nutritious addition to this soup. Baby spinach is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Lemon Juice. This chicken soup does have lemon, and you do not want to skip it! A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice wakes up the flavors and makes the soup incredibly refreshing and almost cleansing. For even more citrus flavor, add a little lemon zest.Fresh Dill. A handful of fresh dill pairs perfectly with the lemon and makes the soup herbaceous and lively.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. To Freeze. Orzo soup can be frozen. Freeze soup in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Dutch Oven. Perfect for making this creamy lemon chicken soup.Non-Slip Cutting Board. This cutting board won’t slip away from you while you’re chopping.Instant Read Thermometer. The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through.

This lemon chicken orzo soup is like pure sunshine in a bowl, and it’s ready to brighten your day!