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Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a bright, comforting, one-pot dinner packed with tender chicken, savory veggies, and a zesty citrus finish.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 631

Ingredients
  

  • 1¾ lb bone-in skin-on chicken breasts and/or thighsn¾ teaspoon saltn½ teaspoon freshly ground black peppern1 tablespoon vegetable oiln1 tablespoon unsalted buttern1 medium yellow onionn2 carrotsn2 celery ribsn2 cloves garlicn3 tablespoons all-purpose flourn2 quarts chicken brothn1 bay leafn1¼ cups orzon1 cup heavy creamn1 teaspoon lemon zestn3 tablespoons fresh lemon juicen1½ tablespoons chopped fresh dill 1¾ lb bone-in skin-on chicken breasts and/or thighsn¾ teaspoon saltn½ teaspoon freshly ground black peppern1 tablespoon vegetable oiln1 tablespoon unsalted buttern1 medium yellow onionn2 carrotsn2 celery ribsn2 cloves garlicn3 tablespoons all-purpose flourn2 quarts chicken brothn1 bay leafn1¼ cups orzon1 cup heavy creamn1 teaspoon lemon zestn3 tablespoons fresh lemon juicen1½ tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken all over with the salt and pepper.nHeat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.nAdd the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.nTransfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.nAdd the butter to the pan to melt into the chicken fat.nAdd the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until they start to soften.nAdd the garlic and cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds.nSprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute.nAdd the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.nAdd the bay leaf and return the chicken with any juices to the pot.nBring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low to simmer until cooked through.nTransfer the chicken to a cutting board, discard skin and bones, and shred the meat.nBring the soup back to a gentle boil and add the orzo.nCook uncovered while stirring frequently until the orzo is al dente.nStir in the cream, lemon juice, and shredded chicken to warm through.nRemove and discard the bay leaf.nStir in the lemon zest and fresh dill, then adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled. Do not let the soup vigorously boil after adding the heavy cream, as this can cause the dairy to curdle.