Make this comforting, bright soup featuring shredded chicken, small orzo pasta, and a rich, tangy lemon broth.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 servings
Category:Soup
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
6 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the dried thyme and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the orzo pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
Stir in the shredded chicken. Heat through for 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Heat gently, but do not allow the soup to boil after adding the cream.
Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
To prevent the cream from curdling, always add it when the soup is at a low simmer, not a rolling boil.
You can use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
If you prefer a thicker soup, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water (a slurry) just before adding the cream.