Dreamy Orzo and Herb-Infused Chicken Soup Recipe for Comfort

Warm, comforting bowls of orzo and herb-infused chicken soup invite you to savor every spoonful of pure culinary comfort.

Fragrant herbs dance through tender chicken and delicate pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that soothe the soul.

Delicate orzo provides a perfect texture, absorbing the rich, golden broth with each tender bite.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings weave through this classic soup, making it more than just a meal.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a hearty and satisfying experience.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe brings restaurant-quality warmth to your kitchen.

Grab your pot and let’s turn dinner into a delightful celebration of home-cooked goodness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

Orzo Chicken Soup Ingredient Checklist

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing, choose extra virgin for deeper flavor complexity.
• Onion: Builds aromatic depth, select firm and glossy onions for maximum sweetness.
• Celery: Adds crisp texture and subtle earthiness, pick bright green stalks with minimal blemishes.
• Carrots: Contributes natural sweetness and vibrant color, opt for firm, smooth carrots without soft spots.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent punch, choose plump cloves with tight, unblemished skin.

• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid foundation with savory undertones, select low-sodium for better flavor control.
• Shredded Chicken: Provides hearty protein element, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

• Peas: Introduces sweet pop of green color and nutritional boost, frozen works perfectly.
• Coriander: Offers subtle citrusy warmth, use ground version for even distribution.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, tangy essence, choose organic lemons for most intense flavor.
• Fresh Dill: Adds delicate herbal note, select bright green fronds without wilting.
• Lemon Juice: Balances and heightens overall taste profile, freshly squeezed preferred.
• Salt and Pepper: Crucial for seasoning adjustment, use kosher salt for cleaner taste.

• Orzo: Provides comforting starchy component, select high-quality pasta for best texture.

Tools to Make Herb Chicken Soup Easily

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup base.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked orzo quickly and efficiently.
• Smaller pot: Used for boiling and cooking the orzo separately.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and herb quantities.

How to Cook Orzo Chicken Soup in One Pot

• Aromatic Foundation

Start by warming olive oil in a spacious pot, letting the onions dance and soften until they become translucent and fragrant. The kitchen will begin to fill with delightful scents that hint at the comforting meal ahead.

• Vegetable Symphony

Introduce vibrant carrots and celery to the pot, allowing them to mingle and release their natural sweetness. A quick burst of minced garlic joins the party, adding a zesty punch to the developing flavor profile.

• Liquid Gold

Pour in rich chicken broth, accompanied by tender shredded chicken, sweet peas, bright coriander, and sunshine-like lemon zest. Let everything simmer gently, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will warm your soul.

• Pasta Perfection

In a separate pot, cook orzo until it reaches that ideal tender-yet-firm texture. Drain carefully, ready to be the hearty backbone of this soul-warming soup.

• Final Flourish

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a splash of bright lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring each spoonful is a perfect balance of comfort and zest. The soup is now ready to comfort and delight.

Tips for Herbal Notes in Chicken Soup

• Swap rotisserie chicken with freshly grilled, poached, or leftover roasted chicken for different flavor profiles and textures.
• Experiment by adding zucchini, spinach, or kale to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful soup base.
• Mix fresh parsley, basil, or thyme alongside dill to develop a more robust and layered herbal dimension in the soup.
• Replace chicken with white beans, tofu, or shredded turkey for vegetarian or alternative protein options that maintain the soup's comforting essence.

How to Serve Chicken Orzo Soup Comfortably

• Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair this aromatic soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped dill or parsley on top just before serving to boost the herb's brightness and add a pop of green color.
• Create a Complete Meal: Accompany the soup with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the warm, comforting soup and add some freshness to the plate.
• Elevate with Lemon Wedges: Offer fresh lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze additional citrus over their soup for an extra zesty kick.

Keep Orzo Soup Tasting Great After Reheating

• Refrigerate and Refresh: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The orzo might absorb more liquid, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore its original consistency.
• Freeze with Care: Carefully transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and portion into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. Label each container with the date to track freshness and ensure optimal taste.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Keep orzo separate from the soup when storing to prevent overcooking and mushy texture. Add fresh orzo when ready to serve for the best dining experience.

Silky Orzo And Herb-Infused Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean warmth fills Orzo and Herb-Infused Chicken Soup with comforting layers of flavor. Delicate herbs and tender chicken create a nourishing meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 64 fl oz (1.89 L) chicken broth
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped and some sprigs for garnish
• 1–2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tsps ground coriander
• 1 tsp sea salt, more to taste
• ½ tsp fresh ground pepper, more to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Creme Fraîche or sour cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat, gently cooking diced onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Vegetable Layer: Add chopped celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until vegetables are tender and garlic releases its aromatic essence, about 6 minutes.
3. Liquid Composition: Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, introducing shredded chicken, green peas, ground coriander, and lemon zest. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing flavors to harmonize for 12-15 minutes while maintaining a gentle simmer.
4. Pasta Integration: Simultaneously cook orzo in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly in a colander. Fold freshly chopped dill and lemon juice into the simmering soup, seasoning with salt and black pepper to create a balanced flavor profile.
5. Final Assembly: Gently incorporate the cooked orzo into the soup moments before serving, ensuring the pasta absorbs the broth’s rich flavors without becoming mushy. Ladle into warm bowls, optionally garnishing with additional fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Sauté Secrets: Always cook onions, celery, and carrots slowly to develop deep, rich flavor foundations without burning vegetables.
• Herb Harmony: Add fresh dill and lemon juice at the end of cooking to preserve their bright, vibrant taste and prevent flavor degradation.
• Pasta Precision: Cook orzo separately and add just before serving to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushy, overcooked pasta.
• Broth Boost: Use homemade chicken broth if possible for enhanced depth and richness in the soup’s overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg