Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A comforting, zesty chicken soup with a creamy texture—without any cream! This nourishing dish is packed with flavor and comes together in under an hour. Inspired by Cooking Light.

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Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American (with Mediterranean influence)

Keyword: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 45

Servings: hearty bowls

Calories: 340kcal

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
3 carrots, peeled and diced
½ onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8–10 cups chicken broth (adjust for preferred consistency)
1 cup whole wheat orzo
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
3 eggs
Juice of 3–4 lemons (about ½ cup)
1 handful fresh spinach
1½ tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh dill, as much as you love

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, followed by the carrots, onion, and garlic. Sauté for about 10 minutes until fragrant and tender. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the Orzo
Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo and let it cook until softened. Add the shredded chicken and remove from heat.
Temper the Eggs
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice. To prevent scrambling, slowly add a ladleful of hot soup to the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Gradually stir the warmed egg mixture back into the soup, stirring continuously until the soup becomes silky and creamy.
Finish with Freshness
Stir in the spinach, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Notes

Broth Consistency: Use 8 cups for a thicker soup or 10 cups for a brothier version.
Reheating Leftovers: The orzo will absorb liquid as it sits, so add extra broth or water when reheating.
Egg Safety Tip: If the soup is too hot, the eggs will scramble. Stir in a few ice cubes to cool it slightly before adding the egg mixture.
Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for white beans or another plant-based protein.

Enjoy this cozy, bright, and satisfying soup!

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