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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (5)
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A rich and hearty chicken soup made with tender rice, creamy broth, and flavorful aromatics. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days and is packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional

Instructions

  • Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Thicken the broth: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to coat the vegetables.
  • Add broth and chicken: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour. Add the chicken breasts and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  • Simmer and cook rice: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the rice and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature), remove it from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
  • Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

 

  • Final touch: Add the chopped parsley and lemon juice for a fresh, bright flavor. Serve hot!

Notes

  • You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time as it takes longer to cook.

  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken soup, creamy soup, rice soup, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://easyglobalrecipes.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/