Introduction
Comfort food often brings to mind hearty soups that warm the soul, and this creamy chicken orzo soup fits the bill perfectly. Combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a touch of lemon, the recipe is not only delicious but also simple to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery ribs, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Juice and zest of 1 lemon
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
Approximately 15 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 30 minutes, yielding approximately 6 servings.
The process starts with sautéing aromatic vegetables, followed by simmering the chicken to tenderness before adding orzo and cream for a rich finish. With an optional garnish of fresh dill, every bowl is a comforting embrace of flavor. Enjoy this delightful soup as the perfect remedy for chilly evenings or as a simple, satisfying meal anytime!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and add the whole chicken breasts, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 6: Cook Orzo
While the chicken cools, bring the broth back to a simmer and add the uncooked orzo. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the orzo is slightly underdone.
Step 7: Return Chicken
Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 8: Temper the Cream
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of the hot broth with the heavy cream to temper it. Slowly pour the tempered cream mixture back into the soup pot, stirring continuously.
Step 9: Add Lemon and Spinach
Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 10: Season the Soup
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 11: Serve the Soup
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill, if desired.
Notes
Storage
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit more broth or water as the orzo will absorb liquid during storage.
Variations
This recipe can be adapted by adding other vegetables such as peas or green beans, or by using other herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
To sauté vegetables, heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, approximately 5-7 minutes. This technique enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Shredding chicken
After cooking the chicken breasts in the broth, let them cool slightly on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the soup.
Tempering cream
To prevent heavy cream from curdling when added to a hot liquid, temper it by whisking together a small amount of hot broth with the cream in a separate bowl before slowly incorporating it back into the pot.
Wilting spinach
Add fresh spinach to the pot at the end of cooking. It requires only 1-2 minutes to wilt, retaining its vibrant color and nutritional value while blending seamlessly into the soup.
Adjusting seasoning
After removing the bay leaf, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Garnishing
For an added layer of flavor and presentation, consider garnishing the soup with fresh dill just before serving.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup after the broth has been prepared.
What other vegetables can I add to the soup?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for extra nutrition and texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can substitute the orzo pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit it entirely for a low-carb version.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it’s best to add the spinach and cream after thawing for optimal texture and flavor.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk, but the creaminess may vary.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and orzo soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the richness of chicken broth, tender chicken, and the delightful texture of orzo pasta. The addition of fresh spinach and a hint of lemon brightens the flavors, making it a perfect choice for any season. Enjoy this nutritious bowl of soup as a hearty lunch or dinner option that is sure to please your taste buds.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Variations
Consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Protein Alternatives
Swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Herb Infusions
Experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a subtle kick.
Cheesy Twist
Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for added creaminess and a savory flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly
Make a large batch and freeze portions for a quick meal on busy days. Just add fresh spinach and cream when reheating for the best results.
Grain Substitutes
Try replacing orzo with other grains like quinoa or farro for a different texture and nutritional profile.
