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Cozy Lemon Ginger Chicken Orzo Soup: Best Easy One-Pot Dinner

lemon ginger chicken orzo soup - featured image
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A comforting, budget-friendly one-pot soup with tender chicken, orzo, and a bright lemon-ginger broth. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested (about 3 tablespoons juice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your veggies: Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Peel the ginger and slice into thin rounds. Zest and juice the lemon, setting the zest aside.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent and veggies soften.
  3. Add garlic and ginger: Stir in minced garlic and ginger slices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken and broth: Nestle chicken thighs into the pot. Pour in chicken broth. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Simmer the chicken: Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  6. Remove chicken and ginger: Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Remove ginger slices with a spoon or strainer and discard. Shred chicken with two forks.
  7. Cook the orzo: Bring broth back to a boil. Stir in orzo and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add lemon and chicken: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning. Add optional peas or cream if desired.
  9. Serve and garnish: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

For meal prep, undercook orzo by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness when reheated. Soup thickens overnight; add broth or water when reheating. Freeze without orzo for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ginger chicken orzo soup, one-pot dinner, easy chicken soup, cozy soup, budget-friendly dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/cozy-lemon-ginger-chicken-orzo-soup-best-easy-one-pot-dinner/