Try This Cozy Orzo And Herb-Infused Chicken Soup Recipe Today

Orzo changes ordinary chicken soup into a comforting culinary experience that warms both body and soul.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Delicate pasta pearls nestle among tender chicken pieces, absorbing the rich, aromatic broth.

Fragrant herbs whisper their delicate essence throughout each spoonful, elevating this classic dish from simple to spectacular.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this soup comes together, making it a perfect weeknight meal solution.

Fresh ingredients and a few smart techniques ensure maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The result is a bowl of pure comfort that promises to soothe and satisfy.

Ingredients for Orzo and Herb-Infused Chicken Soup

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and building flavor depth.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation to the soup's flavor profile.
• Celery: Contributes a mild, fresh vegetable crunch and subtle herbal notes.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent, intense flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the primary liquid base with rich, savory chicken flavor.
• Shredded Chicken: Provides lean protein and hearty substance to the soup.
• Peas: Adds a pop of green color and sweet, tender texture.

• Coriander, Dill: Fresh herbs that bring bright, clean, and slightly tangy flavor profiles.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds citrusy brightness and helps balance the soup's richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing the overall taste.
• Orzo: A small pasta that adds comforting texture and helps make the soup more substantial.

How to Make Orzo and Herb-Infused Chicken Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Base Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently cook onions until they turn soft and see-through, around 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Layers Add vegetables and create depth of flavor

• Celery
• Carrots

Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables become tender. Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release aromatic notes.

Step 3: Create Soup Foundation Pour in soup components

• Chicken broth
• Shredded chicken
• Peas
• Coriander
• Lemon zest

Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it bubble softly on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Orzo Pasta Boil a separate pot of water and cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain pasta thoroughly once it reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Elevate Final Flavors Stir in fresh herbal touches

• Fresh dill
• Lemon juice

Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Ensure the bright lemon essence shines through the soup.

Best Tips for Orzo and Herb-Infused Chicken Soup

• Boost Herb Freshness: Chop dill and herbs right before adding to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant green color.
• Perfect Orzo Texture: Slightly undercook orzo in boiling water since it will continue absorbing liquid in the hot soup, preventing mushy pasta.
• Chicken Selection: Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and deeper, more developed flavor profile.
• Zest Technique: Grate lemon zest carefully to capture only the bright yellow outer layer, avoiding bitter white pith.
• Seasoning Strategy: Add salt gradually and taste between additions to control sodium levels and enhance overall soup complexity.

Storing and Reheating Orzo and Herb-Infused Chicken Soup

• Refrigeration: Transfer the soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the orzo separate to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheating.
• Reheating: Gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. If the orzo was stored separately, mix it in just before serving to maintain its perfect texture.
• Freezing: Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, adding fresh herbs to brighten the flavors when serving.

Pairing Orzo and Herb-Infused Chicken Soup with Bread

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the herb and lemon notes in the soup, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Match with Crusty Herb Bread: Select a freshly baked rosemary or thyme focaccia to soak up the broth, enhancing the soup's herbal undertones and providing a satisfying texture contrast.
• Serve with Bright Citrus Salad: Create a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette and orange segments to echo the soup's citrusy profile and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Finish with Light Sorbet: End the dining experience with a lemon or green apple sorbet to cleanse the palate and reinforce the bright, herbal flavor notes of the soup.

Orzo and Herb-Infused Chicken Soup Variations

• Mediterranean Melody: Replace coriander with oregano and add crumbled feta cheese. Introduce kalamata olives for an authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Splash: Swap dill with cilantro, add roasted green chiles, and include a dash of cumin. Garnish with crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.
• Creamy Herbal Comfort: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving. Incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary for a richer, more luxurious soup experience.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Replace lemon with rice vinegar, add ginger and soy sauce. Sprinkle with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for an eastern-inspired transformation.

Orzo and Herb-Infused Chicken Soup for a Fresh Meal

• Brighten Up Your Meal: This herb-infused chicken soup bursts with zesty lemon and fresh dill, creating a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile that lifts your spirits instantly.
• Quick and Comforting Cooking: The recipe offers a simple, one-pot method that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, nourishing meal.
• Texture-Rich Comfort Bowl: Tender shredded chicken, soft orzo, and perfectly cooked vegetables combine to create a satisfying soup with multiple delightful textures that dance on your palate.
• Nutrient-Packed Wellness Boost: Packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that's both delicious and nutritionally balanced, supporting your overall health.

Orzo And Herb-Infused Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean comfort arrives with this delightful orzo and herb-infused chicken soup. Fresh herbs, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo blend into a soul-warming meal with Mediterranean charm that embraces your senses.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas

Liquids, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 64 ounces (1.89 liters) chicken broth
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper, more to taste
• 1 cup dry orzo
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped and some sprigs for garnish

Optional Garnish:

• Creme Fraîche or sour cream

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, gently sweating the diced onions until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce chopped celery and carrots to the pot, continuing to sauté until the vegetables soften and develop a slight tenderness, about 5 minutes. Add finely minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant essence.
3. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, then fold in shredded chicken, sweet green peas, ground coriander, and delicate lemon zest. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, reducing heat to medium-low and letting the flavors meld together for 10-15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta reaches an al dente consistency. Carefully drain the orzo in a colander.
5. Incorporate freshly chopped dill and bright lemon juice into the simmering soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
6. Gently fold the cooked orzo into the soup just before serving, allowing the pasta to absorb the aromatic broth without becoming overly soft. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• This comforting soup blends tender shredded chicken with bright, zesty herbs for a nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Fresh dill and lemon zest transform a classic chicken soup into a vibrant, refreshing dish with layers of complex, aromatic flavors.
• Cooking orzo separately prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps maintain the soup’s perfect texture and clarity.
• Using chicken broth as the base provides rich, deep flavor while creating a lighter alternative to cream-based soups.
• Quick-sautéed vegetables build a robust foundation of taste, releasing natural sugars and enhancing the overall depth of the soup.
• Adjusting seasonings at the end ensures a perfectly balanced dish with bright, punchy notes of citrus and herbaceous undertones.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg