Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is bright, cozy, and nourishing—a comforting bowl featuring tender halal chicken, silky orzo, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb halal chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Juice of 1–2 lemons
- 1 lemon zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
- Add orzo and cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add spinach if using and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve warm with fresh parsley on top.
Notes
- This recipe uses halal chicken; you can use thighs or breasts according to preference.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free orzo if available (note that traditional orzo is wheat-based).
- Adjust lemon quantity to taste for more brightness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days and reheat gently.
- If the soup thickens after resting, stir in a splash of broth to loosen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240 ml)
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, comfort soup, bright soup, halal chicken soup, lemon herb soup