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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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