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–+ servings

Cozy Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Fresh Dill

Vibrant Greek-style comfort soup packed with tender shredded chicken, al dente orzo, fresh dill, and rich lemon chicken bone broth. Ready in 30 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

Soup Aromatics & Broth
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (halal)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium leek, white and light green parts sliced (or 1 yellow onion)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 6 cups rich halal chicken bone broth
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Pasta & Bright Finish
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 lemon sliced into wheels for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced leeks, diced carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt. Cook 5-6 minutes until tender.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken bone broth. Add raw chicken breasts and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Remove bay leaves from pot.
  5. Add dry orzo pasta to the simmering broth. Cook uncovered for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and broth thickens.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, and chopped dill. Simmer gently on low for 2 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with fresh dill, cracked pepper, and lemon wheels. Serve immediately!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 720IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

Always stir in the fresh lemon juice and fresh dill off high heat at the very end to preserve maximum citrus vibrancy and aroma.

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