Description
This Greek Lemon Orzo Soup with Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, bright lemon juice, and fresh dill. The soup incorporates a hearty blend of vegetables, chicken broth, and orzo pasta, making it a perfect meal for any day. With a balance of zesty citrus and aromatic herbs, this recipe brings a taste of Greek cuisine to your kitchen in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
Soup Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, butterflied
- 1 cup orzo
Finishing Ingredients
- Juice from 1-2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Place a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, diced white onion, diced celery, and diced carrots. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Cook the chicken in broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Place the butterflied chicken breasts into the pot. Let the mixture simmer for 15-17 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked. Remove the chicken breasts from the soup and set aside in a bowl.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo to the pot and stir. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. While the orzo cooks, shred the cooked chicken breasts in the bowl.
- Combine and finish the soup: Lower the heat to low. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the fresh minced dill and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, enjoying the bright and comforting flavors of this traditional Greek dish.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, you can add a pinch of black pepper or a bay leaf while simmering the broth.
- Feel free to use homemade chicken broth for a richer taste.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add more orzo or simmer the soup a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
- Fresh dill is preferred, but dried dill can be used in a smaller amount if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust the lemon juice quantity according to your preferred tartness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
