Introduction to Chicken Orzo Soup
When you cook a whole chicken, you will likely have leftovers. This light and easy chicken orzo soup is a homey dinner solution that includes leftover meat and welcomes any stray vegetables lurking in your refrigerator. The only tasks required to pull the dish together are to saute the vegetables and cook the orzo in the broth, producing a comforting weeknight dinner. Since the chicken is already cooked, it only needs a few minutes to be warmed in the broth before serving.
The Benefits of Orzo in Soup
The addition of the orzo pasta is a bonus to the soup. Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta usually made from semolina flour. When cooked in the soup, it holds its shape and slippery texture, while infusing the broth with its starch. The result is a silky, comforting body that adds an extra dimension to this 25-minute soup. If you don’t have any leftover chicken, not to worry. A store-bought rotisserie chicken can do the trick.
Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Servings and Ingredients
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, sliced, about 1/4-inch thick
1 celery rib, sliced, about 1/4-inch thick
1 small bulb fennel, halved and thinly sliced
1 cup orzo
2 to 3 thyme sprigs or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
6 cups chicken stock
12 to 16 ounces cooked chicken meat, shredded into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley leaves
Directions
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft, without coloring, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots, celery and fennel and saute until the vegetables are bright and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes more. Add the orzo and thyme. Stir to coat and lightly toast, about 1 minute.
Pour in the stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then partially cover and simmer over medium heat until the orzo is al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir in the chicken, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Continue to simmer until the chicken is heated through. Taste for seasoning. Remove the thyme sprigs, if used. Stir in the parsley and serve.
About the Author
Lynda Balslev is an award-winning writer, cookbook author and recipe developer, and authors the blog TasteFood, More recipes can be found at chicago.suntimes.com/taste.
Conclusion
Chicken orzo soup is a delicious and comforting meal that can be made with leftover chicken and vegetables. The addition of orzo pasta adds a unique texture and flavor to the soup, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner. With its easy preparation and short cooking time, this soup is perfect for busy families or individuals looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of homemade?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth as a substitute for homemade broth.
Q: How long can I store leftover chicken orzo soup?
A: You can store leftover chicken orzo soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach to the soup.
Q: Is chicken orzo soup suitable for a low-carb diet?
A: While orzo pasta is a carbohydrate, you can reduce the amount used or substitute it with a low-carb alternative such as zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
