Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

5 from 2 votes

A warm and comforting bowl of Greek lemon chicken orzo soup is the perfect on a cold winter day. This classic includes the brightness of lemons and oregano to create an aromatic and tasty symphony.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Soups & Stews

Cuisine: Greek

Servings:

Calories: 274kcal

Author: Kelly Bloom

Equipment

Ingredients

2 tablespoon Olive oil
1 medium Onion
3 medium Carrots peeled and diced
3 ribs Celery diced, leaves included
3 cloves Garlic
1 sprig Thyme 1 teaspoon dried
1 sprig Rosemary ½ teaspoon dried
¼ cup Parsley fresh, chopped
1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
½ teaspoon Pepper or to taste
3 large Chicken skinless and boneless, diced
4 cup Chicken broth
2 cup Water
2 large Lemon juice soften before squeezing
1½ teaspoon Lemon zest fresh
⅔ cup Orzo
3 cup Spinach fresh
Parsley for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or 6 quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Saute the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2 tablespoon Olive oil, 3 medium Carrots, 1 medium Onion, 3 ribs Celery
Add the garlic, sprigs of thyme, rosemary, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and diced chicken and cook for 3 minutes more.
3 cloves Garlic, 1 sprig Thyme, 1 sprig Rosemary, ¼ cup Parsley, ½ teaspoon Pepper, 1 teaspoon Salt, 3 large Chicken
Add the chicken broth, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pot, and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4 cup Chicken broth, 2 cup Water, 2 large Lemon juice, 1½ teaspoon Lemon zest
Add the orzo and spinach and simmer for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked.
⅔ cup Orzo, 3 cup Spinach
Stir in the remaining parsley and serve immediately with warm bread and butter. A dollop of sour cream is a common garnish also.
Parsley

Notes

You can also add other ingredients to the soup, such as drained diced tomatoes, olives, and garnish with crumbled feta cheese.
Long grain rice is a good substitute for the orzo.
Don't over cook the orzo, it only needs 8 to 10 minutes, sometimes less on a low simmer.
Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your personal taste.