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Cozy Chicken Orzo Soup: A Warm Hug in a Bowl
Stephanie Moore

Cozy Chicken Orzo Soup

A comforting, soul-warming soup featuring tender chicken breasts, silky orzo pasta, and a vibrant mirepoix base. This dish balances the savory depth of aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano with a bright, refreshing finish of lemon and fresh dill. Perfectly nourishing and satisfying, it is an ideal meal for chilly days or when you need a gentle culinary embrace. The orzo absorbs the seasoned broth, creating a velvety texture that feels sophisticated yet remains deeply homey and approachable.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 6-8 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and add the whole chicken breasts.
  5. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Remove chicken to a plate, shred with two forks, and return meat to the pot.
  7. Add orzo pasta to the simmering broth and cook until tender.
  8. Remove from heat; stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo as it will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. For meal prep or leftovers, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it to individual bowls to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.