Sunshine Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Recipe Introduction: Sunshine in a Bowl!
Fancy a bowl of sunshine? Honestly, who doesn't! Let's chat about lemon chicken soup . This recipe ain't your standard chicken noodle soup. It's bracing , zesty, and so utterly soul soothing.
What’s the Deal with This Lemon Chicken Soup?
This delightful soup is like a holiday in Greece without the airfare. It is also a Mediterranean soup! Think Greek lemon chicken soup light, bright, and brimming with flavour.
The recipe’s origins lie in the classic Avgolemono soup. Don’t worry, it's easier to make than it is to say! It's an easy soup recipe , too.
Prep takes about 20 minutes, and it cooks in 35, making 6 generous servings.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Chicken Soup
Besides tasting amazing, this healthy chicken soup recipe is packed with goodness. Chicken is a great source of protein. Lemon gives you a dose of vitamin C.
It’s basically chicken soup for cold with a serious upgrade. This comfort food soup is perfect for a chilly evening or when you're feeling a bit under the weather.
What makes it extra special? It's the fresh herbs and the tangy lemon. They make this lemon orzo soup incredibly refreshing and flavourful.
Now, what do we need to make this magic happen?
Okay, let's dive into what you need to make this brilliant lemon chicken soup . Think of it as a hug in a bowl, perfect any time!.
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you wanna make my Sunshine Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup , eh? Grand! Here’s the lowdown on what you'll need.
It's more approachable than Avgolemono soup. Trust me, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot in Central London!
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need, measured out just right. This soup is like a chicken noodle soup but with a Mediterranean twist.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Good quality stuff, you know? It adds flavor.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped ( about 1 cup/150g ). Not too picky here, any will do.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped ( about 1 cup/120g ). Adds a bit of sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped ( about 1 cup/100g ). Gives it that classic soup base.
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with it!
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups ( 1.9 liters ). Low sodium is best.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon . The secret weapon.
- Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon . Don't skip it.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For that little kick.
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound boneless, skinless ( 450g ).
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup ( 100g ). This is what sets it apart from your standard chicken soup for cold .
- Lemon Juice: ½ cup freshly squeezed ( 120 ml ). From about 3-4 lemons . Fresh is key!
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup chopped.
- Fresh Dill: ¼ cup chopped.
Honestly, using fresh herbs makes all the difference. I once tried to use dried dill... Disaster! The lemon orzo soup was just, off.
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk spice. This lemon chicken soup leans on fresh flavors.
- Thyme and oregano are a must . They give it that earthy, comfort food soup vibe.
- Lemon juice brightens everything up. Add more to taste! I always do.
- No fresh dill? A little dried dill will do in a pinch. But really, fresh is best.
Equipment Needed
Right, kit time! Don't worry, nothing too fancy. This recipe is all about easy soup recipes .
- Large pot or Dutch oven. Gotta have something to cook it in!
- Cutting board and knife. For the chopping, obviously.
- Lemon juicer (optional). But let's be real, squeezing lemons by hand is a pain.
And that's it! Not too bad, eh? Now go make some awesome lemon chicken soup ! This healthy chicken soup recipe is sure to be a hit!
Sunshine Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Oh my gosh, you guys have to try this Sunshine Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup ! It’s like a big, warm hug in a bowl.
Honestly, it’s the perfect comfort food soup for when you're feeling a bit rubbish or when the weather is just being typically British grey and miserable.
Plus, it feels a bit fancy pants, but it's actually dead easy to make. It is like a Greek lemon chicken soup , but simpler.
If you like Avgolemono soup , this one is for you. Let's ditch the chicken noodle soup for a bit.
You know? A Mediterranean soup to brighten your day!
Prep Like a Pro
Getting everything prepped is key for easy soup recipes . This is also called Mise en place. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery first.
Mince that garlic! Squeeze those lemons. Having it all ready saves time. A tip for saving time is to buy pre-shredded carrots.
Always be careful when chopping. Keep those fingers safe!
Stirring Up Sunshine: step-by-step
Right, here’s how we make this amazing lemon chicken soup :
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot.
- Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5- 7 minutes , until soft.
- Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until you can smell it.
- Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth . Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano , and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave). Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently place 1 pound of chicken breasts into the simmering broth. Cook for 15- 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Remove the chicken. Shred it with forks.
- Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the broth. Cook for 8- 10 minutes until al dente (slightly firm).
- Stir in the shredded chicken, 0.5 cup of fresh lemon juice , 0.25 cup of parsley , and 0.25 cup of dill . Taste and adjust seasoning.
Top Tips for Top-Notch Soup
Honestly, fresh lemon juice makes ALL the difference. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it for this healthy chicken soup recipe ! Don't overcook your orzo. Soggy orzo is a disaster.
Add the lemon juice gradually! Some like it more tangy than others.
You can totally make this lemon orzo soup ahead of time. Just keep in mind that the orzo will soak up some broth.
You can reheat the homemade chicken soup , and add more broth!
Recipe Notes for the Best Lemon Chicken Soup Ever!
Alright, let's talk about this lemon chicken soup . Honestly, it's more than just chicken noodle soup , it's a hug in a bowl! Think of it as a Mediterranean soup with a sunshine twist, a proper comfort food soup for any day.
How to Serve Your Sunshine Soup
For plating, keep it simple. A nice, deep bowl is always a winner. Why not add a sprig of fresh dill or parsley? Makes it look fancy, you know? Crusty bread is a must for dipping! A light green salad on the side is perfect.
A lemon vinaigrette would complement the soup beautifully.
Storing Your Lemon Chicken Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This healthy chicken soup recipe is even better the next day.
- Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the orzo might get a bit soft. Try freezing before adding the pasta. The broth will keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Just heat it up gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it's too thick.
Switching Things Up a Bit
Want to make it your own? Go for it! Here are some little tweeks.
- dairy-free: Use a plant based broth and skip any creamy toppings.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the winter, root vegetables like parsnips work great. For spring, try adding asparagus or peas. Oh my gosh! That works amazing.
Quick Nutrition Breakdown
This homemade chicken soup is good for you! It's packed with protein from the chicken and veggies.
- It's low in fat and carbs.
- The lemon is great for a boost of vitamin C.
- Perfect if you have a chicken soup for cold .
Making Avgolemono soup at home is easier than you think, and this recipe is a great way to start. With these easy soup recipes , you'll be a soup pro in no time! Give it a go, and don't be afraid to experiment! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lemon chicken soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This lemon chicken soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be aware that the orzo pasta will absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you might need to add a splash more chicken broth when you reheat it.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days it's a brilliant make-ahead meal, like a proper Sunday roast you can enjoy all week!
What's the best way to store leftover lemon chicken soup?
To keep your leftover lemon chicken soup fresh as a daisy, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will happily keep for up to 3 days.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly, and add a bit of water or broth if it seems too thick.
My lemon chicken soup is too sour! How do I fix it?
Oops, a bit too much lemon, eh? No worries, easily done! To balance the acidity, try adding a touch of honey or a pinch of sugar. You could also stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche to mellow out the sourness. A little extra chicken broth can also help dilute the lemon flavor.
Can I freeze lemon chicken soup?
Freezing lemon chicken soup can be a bit tricky because the orzo pasta can become mushy and the lemon flavor can sometimes intensify. However, if you really want to freeze it, I'd recommend cooking the orzo separately, and only adding it to the soup upon reheating after thawing.
Also, consider adding the lemon juice after thawing too, to keep the flavor fresh. Properly stored, it can last for up to 2 months.
Is there a vegetarian version of this lemon chicken soup?
You bet there is! To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Then, instead of chicken, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or some white beans for protein. You could even toss in some extra veggies like spinach or zucchini.
It'll be a cracking veggie version, I reckon!
I don't have orzo. What else can I use in this lemon chicken soup recipe?
Not to worry if you are out of orzo pasta, there are several substitutes that will work swimmingly in this lemon chicken soup. Ditalini pasta, small shells, or even broken spaghetti are all great options. Small egg noodles would also be lovely.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions, so it's al dente and not overcooked!
Sunshine Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
