Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and tender chicken, this soup combines the richness of a creamy broth with the satisfying texture of orzo pasta. It’s not only quick to prepare—taking just about 55 minutes—but also allows for flexibility with ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Enjoy it as a warm hug in a bowl, garnished with crispy fried capers for added crunch and flavor. Whether served alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad, this soup promises to be a family favorite that warms your heart and satisfies your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cans (14.5 oz cans) of chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 3/4 cup light cream
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup white apple vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 3 oz jar of capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Fried Capers: Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add drained capers and cover with foil. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Cook the Base: In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced shallot; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in grated garlic and flour; cook for 30 seconds.
- Build Flavorful Broth: Pour in chicken broth and apple vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to low simmer, and mix in Parmesan cheese and cream; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Orzo & Chicken: Remove lid; stir in orzo, rotisserie chicken, lemon zest, and juice. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes while stirring frequently.
- Serve It Up: Remove from heat, ladle into bowls, top with fried capers and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg