Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil (, divided); 500 g chicken thighs (boneless, skinless , cut into small chunks); 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 carrots (, peeled and diced); 2 stalks celery (, diced); 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 5 cups chicken stock; 3 cloves garlic (, minced); 1 onion (, diced); 2 bay leaves; 3/4 orzo pasta (, uncooked); 1 sprig rosemary; 1 lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves (, chopped )

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Lemon chicken orzo soup is an authentic greek soup that provides bursting bright lemony flavors from lemon juice mixed into chicken meat and hearty veggies.

The texture is also smooth and tender because of the orzo, which is just a typical pasta with a rice grain-like shape.

Who would have thought that squeezes of lemon would go well in a soup? Some would feel uncomfortable thinking about the citrus tone of lemon in a hot bowl of soup. Yet, this lemon chicken orzo soup would absolutely change the view of many.

Anyone can enjoy this dish at almost any time of the day. Some people enjoy a hot bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup early in the morning to have that lemony and citrus kick in their system.

While others have a bowl at midday to have a fulfilling quick meal during a busy day. Whatever time you decide to eat this soup, you will never be disappointed with how delicious and satisfying it is.

Another good thing about this soup is that it is seasoned with salt, ground black pepper, dried thyme, and fresh rosemary. Hence, the flavor from the chicken and lemon would surely be enriched.

The Origin of Chicken Soup

Roxanne Fisher described chicken soup as what its name implies. According to her article for BBC Good Food in 2019, chicken soup is a soup made from chicken, which was left to simmer in water, and is usually with various other ingredients. She also added that chicken soup had been used as one of the remedies by people in ancient times.

Chicken soup became a folk remedy for colds and influenza, while many countries considered it a comfort food during cold and rainy days.

Back in the old days, chicken soup mainly includes chicken broth with some chicken meats and vegetables. Others would add pasta as well, or sometimes simple noodles or dumplings.

It was believed that people started boiling food for soup in the neolithic period. That time, no seasonings were added. People just add meat to boiling water. However, as time passes by, people started experimenting with spices and seasonings. In Modern America, soups contain carrots, onion, and celery. It was also the Americans who brought soup all across Europe.

Why Does This Recipe Works?

Chicken soups come in many flavors and textures. They, too, have different ways of preparing and cooking. On each website you may find on the internet, you will encounter the same version of a soup but with different ways to do it successfully.

This Greek chicken orzo soup recipe is different from the other ones and the most must-try recipe out there because of the following:

The recipe contains an uncomplicated set of instructions that you may follow in your household's kitchen.
Most of the ingredients are found in your pantry or at your nearest supermarket for a low price.
This soup is delicious and light which makes it perfect for lunch or dinner.
Preparing this dish would warm you up on cold days or nights.

a spoonful of the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

What's in This Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe?

Chicken Thighs: For this recipe, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer rich and moist dark meat. They're a good bit juicier and more flavorful than the other chicken parts.

Olive Oil: A minimal amount of olive oil perfumes the hot soup. It adds an extraordinary richness to each bite, especially on the chicken thigh.

Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Dried Thyme, and Fresh Rosemary: Salt enhances the flavor of the chicken thighs. At the same time, ground black pepper adds an earthy kick and sharp aroma when blended into soup.

Carrots and Celery: Carrots and celery are the vegetables that would build up the flavor of this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. Carrots will have an undertone of slight sweetness, while celery has a mild and strong taste at the same time, giving it a bold flavor.

Chicken Stock: Chicken stock helps in adding more flavor similar to that of the chicken thighs.

Garlic: Boost the taste of the other ingredients by adding garlic to the soup.

Onion: Like carrots and celery, the onion will also serve as the framework for building up the soup's flavor.

Bay Leaves: Most soups include bay leaves, and this particular recipe is not an exception. Bay leaves add another layer of flavor to the Lemon Chicken Orzo.

Orzo Pasta: Similar to rice, orzo pasta is tasty and an ideal addition to the soup for a more tender texture.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens flavors, especially in this long-simmered rich meat-based soup. Lemon juice also brings the soup an exceptionally refreshing and almost cleansing taste.

Fresh Parsley Leaves: They add an extra flavour and color to the soup.

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Heat half of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Now, add the remaining oil to the pot. Add onion, garlic, celery and carrots.

Wash chicken thighs, pat dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper.
Heat half of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chicken thighs to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden; set aside.
Now, add the remaining oil to the pot. Add onion, garlic, celery and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes; until softened (stirring occasionally).
Add in chicken stock, thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary; bring to a boil.
Add in orzo and chicken thighs; reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until orzo is soft.
Stir in lemon juice and parsley, then serve immediately.

Top Tips!

Serve the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup right away since orzo pasta becomes a bit sluggish when it cools down.
Orza gets mushy in the soup if it’s cooked too long. It’s essential to follow the cooking times listed and not let it overcook.

Recipe Variations

If you like to thicken the soup, consider adding 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. It will also make the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup creamy.
To brighten up the flavors more, add dried basil or any other herbs you like.

Serving Suggestions

Bread always goes well with soups. A gooey, melty, delicious grilled cheese sandwich will go well with the lemon chicken orzo soup. Garlic bread is also a good choice to pair the soup with at breakfast. For a fancier combo, potato and green bean salad is a must-try.

Recipe FAQs

How do I store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Place the soup in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. You may reheat the soup in a microwave at medium-low heat.

Can I use other parts of chicken besides thighs?

Some households use breast parts for their chicken soup. However, the breast part does not share the rich, moist, dark meat like chicken thighs.

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