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This comfy bowl features tender chicken bits, tiny orzo, and zesty lemon all swimming in tasty broth – it works great no matter what time of year.
Key Components:
- Chicken breasts: They simmer right in the liquid
- Orzo pasta: Gives a nice bite
- Fresh lemon juice: Makes everything pop
- Mirepoix: The carrot, onion, celery combo
- Italian seasoning: Mix of dried herbs
- Fresh parsley: Adds pretty green flecks
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Step-by-Step Guide:
- Build Base
- Cook down your veggie mix in butter and oil
- Let them get soft and translucent
- Toss in garlic until you can smell it
- Mix flour through to help thicken things up
- Create Broth
- Pour in chicken broth bit by bit
- Make sure flour mixes in completely
- Throw in your herbs and spices
- Get it bubbling gently
- Cook Components
- Drop in whole chicken pieces
- Let them cook most of the way
- Toss in the orzo bits
- Wait till the tiny pasta gets soft
- Finish Soup
- Pull apart the chicken
- Squeeze in fresh lemon
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley
- Taste and add salt if needed
Keeping It Fresh:
Goes good in the fridge for 3-4 days. If freezing, leave out the pasta and store up to 3 months.
Tasty Companions:
Goes down well with a chunk of bread or some leafy greens on the side.
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Pro Moves:
- Skip the bottled stuff, squeeze real lemons
- Make sure chicken hits safe temp
- Keep moving that orzo around
- Add salt as you go, not just at end
I've made this dozens of times and learned that squeezing lemon in right at the finish and watching the orzo like a hawk makes all the difference in the world.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why should I stir the orzo regularly?
- It keeps it from sticking to the bottom.
- → What if the soup feels too thick?
- Just add some extra broth, especially when reheating.
- → How tart will this taste?
- Use the suggested lemon amount and adjust if you want it sharper.
- → Can I throw in pre-cooked chicken?
- Of course, just warm it at the end without overcooking.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
- Swap in rice or gluten-free pasta and thicken with cornstarch if needed.