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Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe with Tender Orzo

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A comforting and bright Greek lemon chicken soup with tender orzo, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to make in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters), low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta (about 120g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (245g), full-fat or 2%
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional garnish: extra dill sprigs and lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion finely, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Juice the lemons and set aside (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and sweet-smelling. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink on the outside.
  5. Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in 3/4 cup orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but still slightly firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice.
  8. Temper the yogurt mixture by slowly ladling about 1 cup of hot soup broth into it while whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Then pour the mixture back into the pot while stirring gently.
  9. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped dill and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Warm the soup on low heat for 2-3 minutes more, avoiding boiling to keep the soup creamy and smooth.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if desired. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

Temper the yogurt by slowly mixing hot broth into it before adding to the pot to prevent curdling. Do not boil the soup after adding yogurt. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. If soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. Cook chicken separately to speed up cooking and keep it tender if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek lemon chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, orzo soup, lemon chicken soup recipe, easy chicken soup, Greek yogurt soup, comfort food, healthy soup

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-greek-lemon-chicken-soup-recipe-with-tender-orzo-easy-and-perfect/