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A light and cozy soup combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh lemon in a flavorful broth perfect for any season.
Essential Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts: Cook directly in broth
- Orzo pasta: Adds satisfying texture
- Fresh lemon juice: Creates bright flavor
- Mirepoix: Onion, carrot, celery base
- Italian seasoning: Herb blend
- Fresh parsley: Adds color and freshness
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Detailed Instructions:
- Build Base
- Sauté mirepoix in butter and oil
- Cook until vegetables soften
- Add garlic until fragrant
- Stir in flour to thicken
- Create Broth
- Add chicken broth gradually
- Dissolve flour completely
- Add seasonings
- Bring to simmer
- Cook Components
- Add whole chicken breasts
- Simmer until nearly done
- Add orzo
- Cook until pasta tender
- Finish Soup
- Shred chicken
- Add lemon juice
- Stir in parsley
- Adjust seasoning
Storage Tips:
Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze without orzo up to 3 months.
Perfect Pairings:
Serve with crusty bread or simple green salad.
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Chef's Tips:
- Use fresh lemon juice
- Check chicken temperature
- Stir orzo frequently
- Season in layers
After many iterations, I've found that adding lemon at the end and cooking orzo properly creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why stir orzo often?
- Prevents sticking to pot bottom.
- → Soup too thick?
- Add more broth, especially for leftovers.
- → How lemony?
- Start with suggested amount, add more to taste.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, add near end just to heat through.
- → Gluten-free option?
- Use rice or gluten-free pasta, cornstarch for flour.