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Light, bright, and comforting—this Lemon Dill Chicken Orzo Soup is a Greek-inspired twist on classic chicken noodle. #chickennoodlesoup #orzosoup #comfortfood
Lemon Dill Chicken Orzo Soup
Lemon Dill Chicken Orzo Soup is a bright, Greek-inspired twist on classic chicken noodle soup. Tender shredded chicken, delicate orzo pasta, fresh dill, and a generous splash of lemon juice come together in a light yet comforting broth that’s fresh, cozy, and ready in under 40 minutes.
Perfect for when you want something hearty but refreshing—ideal for chilly evenings or spring dinners!
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Tools Needed: Large pot, knife, whisk, measuring cups and spoons
2. Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: 2 cups baby spinach
3. Preparation Steps
A. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. In large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove, shred, and set aside.
B. Build the Soup Base
In same pot, add onion and carrots; cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and cook 8–10 minutes until pasta is tender.
C. Finish the Soup
Return shredded chicken to pot. Stir in lemon juice, zest, fresh dill, and spinach (if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts and soup is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
D. Serve
Ladle into bowls; garnish with extra dill and lemon slices if desired. Enjoy hot!
4. Tips & Variations
- Add peas or zucchini for more veggies.
- Swap dill for fresh parsley or basil if preferred.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add a beaten egg at the end for a Greek avgolemono-inspired finish.
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
Why is my soup too thick?
Add extra chicken broth or water until desired consistency.
Why is my orzo mushy?
Avoid overcooking; check for doneness early.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Use veggie broth and chickpeas instead of chicken.
Can I freeze it?
Yes—cool completely; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm pita or crusty bread.
- Pair with a Greek salad or cucumber-tomato salad.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on stove or microwave until heated through.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Prep veggies and cook chicken ahead; assemble soup quickly when ready.
- Freezer Instructions: Freeze soup in individual portions; thaw and reheat as needed.
