Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional garnish: lemon slices and extra parsley

Steps

1. 1 Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. 2 Add chicken broth, water, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
3. 3 Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook until just cooked through, about 10 minutes.
4. 4 Stir in orzo and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
5. 5 In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and butter until combined. Stir this mixture into the soup.
6. 6 Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
7. 7 Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Variations

• Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves for extra greens.
• For a heartier soup, toss in some white beans or chickpeas.

Substitutions

• Substitute orzo with rice for a gluten-free option.
• Use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.

Pairings

• Warm pita bread
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Nutrition

Tips

• For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
• If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra succulence.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a slice of crusty bread.
• Pair with a simple Greek salad on the side.

FAQ