Description
This Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo is a comforting and bright dish featuring tender chicken, chewy whole wheat orzo, and a luscious lemon-egg mixture that creates a creamy texture without dairy. Infused with fresh dill and spinach, this soup offers a fresh, zesty flavor perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup and Orzo
- 8–10 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole wheat orzo
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
Egg-Lemon Mixture
- 3 eggs
- Juice of 3–4 lemons (about ½ cup)
Final Touches
- A handful of fresh spinach
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, as much as you like
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then sauté the diced carrots, onion, and minced garlic until fragrant and tender, about 10 minutes. Ensure the garlic does not burn to keep flavors balanced.
- Add broth and orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the whole wheat orzo and cook until the orzo softens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and remove the pot from heat.
- Make egg-lemon mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until well combined. To temper the eggs and avoid scrambling, slowly add a scoop of hot soup into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Then gradually pour the warmed egg mixture back into the soup pot, stirring continuously until the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
- Finish the soup: Stir in the fresh spinach, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and as much fresh dill as you desire. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly. Serve warm for a bright, nourishing meal.
Notes
- The key to a creamy soup texture is to temper the egg-lemon mixture slowly to avoid egg curdling.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds moist, flavorful meat.
- Whole wheat orzo adds a pleasant nuttiness and fiber; regular orzo can be used as a substitute.
- Fresh dill is essential for the characteristic bright and herbal note.
- This soup can be made dairy-free and is perfect for a light, wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, healthy chicken soup, lemon egg soup, Mediterranean soup, easy chicken soup
