Category: orzo

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Craving something bright and flavorful? This lemon chicken orzo soup is packed with tender chicken, fluffy orzo pasta, and a…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Craving something bright and flavorful? This lemon chicken orzo soup is packed with tender chicken, fluffy orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon broth for a comforting meal.

Lemon chicken orzo soup

Here’s a meal that’s the equivalent of sunshine in a bowl: lemon chicken orzo soup! Zingy citrus always lifts our spirits, and this one is almost guaranteed to make your day brighter. We’ve packed this new soup recipe with tender shredded chicken and fluffy orzo, all in a zesty lemon broth seasoned with garlic, oregano and dill. Shower it with fresh dill or parsley and it’s the perfect easy dinner (that keeps on giving with leftovers!).

Ingredients in lemon chicken orzo soup

Lemon chicken orzo soup comes together in 45 minutes, so you can make it on a weeknight or meal prep it for eating throughout the week. The chicken breast cooks in the broth, then you’ll remove it and shred it while cooking the orzo in the broth. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this simple soup:

  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery, garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Spices: oregano, dill, garlic powder, salt and pepper
  • Fresh lemon, juice and zest (a Microplane grater is easiest for zesting a lemon)
  • Orzo pasta
  • Fresh parsley or dill, to garnish

How to shred chicken

The best way we’ve found to shred chicken is to pull it into strips using your fingers. That’s right, no fancy tools required: simply use your hands to pull it into shreds! We tried the two-forks method and the stand mixer method, and the good old fashioned way won. It makes the best shreds and takes no time at all.

This lemon orzo chicken soup cooks the chicken by simmering it in the soup broth before shredding it. To make shredded chicken on its own for tacos, enchiladas, sandwiches, and more, go to How to Make Shredded Chicken.

How to shred chicken

Tips for making lemon chicken orzo soup

Lemon chicken orzo soup is a great easy dinner recipe: it’s simple to make and works well to meal prep. Here are a few tips for the process:

  • Use a food thermometer to assess whether the chicken is done. Simmer the soup until it’s cooked through and the temperature is 165°F when measured with a food thermometer.
  • Shred the chicken while the orzo cooks, 8 to 9 minutes. You’ll remove the chicken from the simmering pot, then let it rest 5 minutes before shredding it with your fingers. Use this time to cook the orzo pasta in the soup broth. Cooking time for orzo can vary, but it’s typically 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh dill or parsley. The fresh herbs make the soup! We like fresh dill best, because of its delicate citrusy flavor. But parsley works well and is cheaper.
Chicken orzo soup in bowl with pot

Buy organic chicken if possible

When shopping for shredded chicken, keep this in mind: the best chicken to buy is organic. Buying organic makes sure that it is the highest quality meat that was raised sustainably. It is also free of chemicals and additives so it’s the healthiest option for eating, and overall: it just tastes better!

Per the USDA, organic chicken must be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviors (like grazing on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not given antibiotics or hormones.

Storage and make ahead info

Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days; the orzo absorbs liquid over time, so may need to add another splash of water and pinch of salt when reheating. For meal prep, you can make the entire soup in advance and then reheat by adding water and a bit more salt. (If desired, you could also prep up to Step 3, then before serving add the orzo in Step 4 and cook.)

Lemon chicken orzo soup

Sides for lemon chicken orzo soup

How to make it a meal? Pair a salad recipe or bread with this chicken orzo soup for an easy meal in any season. Whip up the salad while the soup is simmering. We love it with a crisp green salad like our simple arugula salad, and for an even more stunning dinner you could accessorize a radicchio salad or endive salad.

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Lemon chicken orzo soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6
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Description

Craving something bright and flavorful? This lemon chicken orzo soup is packed with tender chicken, fluffy orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon broth for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cups peeled and sliced carrots (4 large or 6 medium)
  • 2 cups thinly sliced celery (about 3 to 4 ribs)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 quarts chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • ¼ cup lemon juice, plus the zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 ¼ cups orzo (about 8 ounces)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. 
  2. Stir in the broth, water, whole chicken breasts, oregano, dill, garlic powder, and 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken reads 165°F when measured with a food thermometer.
  3. Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board, then discard the skin and bone and allow to rest 5 minutes. Shred the chicken while the orzo is cooking (in the next step), by using your fingers to pull it into small pieces.
  4. Meanwhile, add the orzo to the pot with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Cook until the orzo is tender, about 8 to 9 minutes. 
  5. Once the orzo is tender, turn off the heat and stir in the chicken. Taste and add up to ½ teaspoon kosher salt if desired and fresh ground black pepper. Serve warm, with fresh chopped parsley or dill. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days; the orzo absorbs liquid over time, so may need to add another splash of water and pinch of salt when reheating.*

Notes

*For meal prep, you can make the entire soup in advance and then reheat by adding water and a bit more salt. (If desired, you could also prep up to Step 3, then before serving add the orzo in Step 4 and cook.)

  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chicken

Keywords: Lemon chicken orzo soup, chicken lemon orzo soup, chicken orzo soup, lemon orzo soup, orzo soup, lemon orzo chicken soup

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I always love a classic caprese salad, but sometimes it is fun to mix it up (caprese sandwich, caprese garlic bread, and caprese pizza). I also love this Caprese Orzo Salad. It has all of the flavors of a classic caprese salad, but it is hearty thanks to the addition of orzo. I love orzo…

Orzo Pasta Salad

This orzo pasta salad recipe is the perfect side dish or lunch! Bursting with flavor, it’s loaded with fresh veggies…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This orzo pasta salad recipe is the perfect side dish or lunch! Bursting with flavor, it’s loaded with fresh veggies and feta cheese.

Orzo pasta salad

Need an easy side dish or lunch idea? This orzo pasta salad recipe is bursting with flavor and the perfect accessory for any meal. It stars the tender pasta grains with crunchy veggies, salty feta cheese, fresh herbs and a zippy vinaigrette dressing. The best part? It tastes great for days! Leftovers hold up well in the fridge, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week too.

Ingredients in orzo pasta salad

This orzo pasta salad recipe is simple to put together: it’s a matter of cooking pasta, chopping veggies, and making a quick vinaigrette! The flavor profile has Mediterranean or Greek vibe, bursting with fresh herbs, lemon and olive oil. You can also add any vegetables you like! Here’s what you’ll need for the base salad:

  • Orzo
  • English cucumber
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Shallot
  • Fresh oregano and parsley
  • Lemon juice and lemon zest
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Garlic powder, dried dill, and salt
  • Olive oil
  • Feta cheese crumbles
Orzo

Types of orzo

Orzo is a small pasta that’s shaped like grains of rice. Known as risoni in Italy, it can be served in various ways: as a side dish, pilaf, as part of an orzo salad, or in soups. There are several sizes of orzo available in stores; we prefer the medium grains that are about the size of grains of rice. You can also find different colors of orzo, like tricolor orzo that’s colored naturally with sundried tomatoes and spinach.

Variations and mix-ins

This orzo pasta salad is easily customizable to the ingredients you have on hand or your flavor preferences! It would be perfect with Kalamata olives like in a Greek pasta salad, or whatever vegetables are hiding in your refrigerator. Here are a few ideas for adding to this orzo pasta salad:

  • Kalamata olives
  • Red pepper, diced
  • Jarred roasted red pepper, diced
  • Broccoli, cut into very small florets
  • Red onion slices
  • Zucchini, small diced
  • Spinach or kale, chopped
Orzo pasta salad

Orzo pasta salad storage info

This orzo pasta salad recipe tastes great the day it is made, but it stores very well! You can also make it in advance and refrigerate until serving, or keep it refrigerated as a lunch idea to eat throughout the week. Here are a few tips for storage:

  • This orzo pasta salad lasts for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. It’s ideal for making ahead or healthy lunches throughout the week.
  • Refresh the flavors before serving. Bring the salad to room temperature. Then stir in a drizzle of olive oil and a bit more crumbled feta cheese. You may or may not need an extra pinch of salt.

Ways to serve it

Pasta salad recipes are fun and versatile: they work with just about anything! They’re great for a summer dinner with any grilled main, or with fish, chicken, or vegetarian mains. Or add pita bread for a light lunch! Here are a few great ways to serve it:

Orzo pasta salad

More pasta salad recipes

Want more pasta salad ideas? There are so many recipes, from classic to pesto to shrimp and more! Here are a few of our top pasta salad recipes:

This orzo pasta salad recipe is…

Vegetarian.

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Orzo pasta salad

Orzo Pasta Salad

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 to 6
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Description

This orzo pasta salad recipe is the perfect side dish or lunch! Bursting with flavor, it’s loaded with fresh veggies and feta cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta (about 8 ounces)
  • 1/2 English cucumber, small diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half (2 cups)
  • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice, plus zest of ½ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ cup feta cheese crumbles
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Fill a medium pot with 10 cups water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo and stir. Bring the pot back to a boil, then boil for about 8 minutes until the orzo is tender. Place the orzo in a strainer to drain, then rinse it under cold water until it comes to room temperature.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the fresh vegetables and herbs as noted in the ingredient list.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, garlic, garlic powder, dill, and kosher salt. Then whisk in the olive oil.
  4. Once the orzo is done, add it to the large bowl of dressing and toss with the chopped vegetables and herbs. Add the feta cheese and fresh ground black pepper and stir to combine.
  5. Taste and add more salt to taste if necessary. Serve immediately. Stores up to 5 days refrigerated (leftovers taste great; allow to come to room temperature and add a swirl more olive oil or a bit more cheese or salt as necessary).
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Pasta salad
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Orzo pasta salad, orzo pasta salad recipe, orzo salad

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Creamy Orzo with Asparagus and Peas

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Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet

When you think you don’t have time to cook, try this easy and super tasty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet! Bonus: It cooks in one pan!

The post Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet appeared first on Budget Bytes.

When you’re having one of those days when you think you don’t have time to cook anything, try this easy, buttery, and super tasty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet! It’s hearty, rich, comforting, and a perfect dinner for when you want to do anything but spend time in the kitchen. Bonus: it cooks in one pan! Can you ask for anything more?

Overhead shot of Creamy Chicken and Orzo in a silver skillet.

What is Orzo?

Orzo is a tiny football-shaped pasta that looks like rice but cooks much faster. Like rice, it soaks up all the water it’s cooked in, so you don’t have to worry about draining. That makes it an excellent choice for a speedy one-pan meal.

What You’ll Need

You are just a few spices and a handful of ingredients away from an incredible dinner! Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet.

  • Seasoning Blend– We’re making our own with paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. In a pinch, you can also use a heaping tablespoon of your favorite seasoning blend, though you should steer clear of anything super salty.
  • Boneless Chicken Thighs– These cook much faster than bone-in chicken thighs and their juices help flavor the orzo.
  • Yellow Onion– Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
  • Garlic– Also adds depth and lends a slight nuttiness when cooked.
  • Orzo– This pasta cooks quickly and adds bulk. If you don’t have access to orzo, substitute it with a quick-cooking pasta like ditalini or pearl couscous. You can also use rice, but you’ll have to adjust the cooking time so it has enough time to cook.
  • Vegetable Broth– You need a liquid to cook the orzo and this broth does the trick without overpowering the dish. You can substitute it with water or chicken broth.
  • Cream– Creates a velvety, creamy sauce.
  • Butter– Helps pull the sauce together.
  • Parmesan– Adds depth and a touch of saltiness to the sauce. It also helps give it texture.

What Can You Serve With Creamy Chicken And Orzo?

This creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet pairs well with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies. Some great options include:

How To Store Leftovers

The orzo will absorb much of the creamy sauce it’s cooked in, but the leftovers are still tasty. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. However, do this within two hours of cooking the dish. Chicken left at room temperature any longer than that can contain enough harmful bacteria to give you food poisoning. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on a stovetop or in the microwave until the chicken is steaming.

Close up shot of Creamy Chicken And Orzo.
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Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet

When you think you don't have time to cook, try this easy, buttery, and super tasty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet! Bonus: It cooks in onepan!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($7.18 recipe / $1.80 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 779kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp paprika $0.10
  • 1 tsp dried oregano $0.10
  • 1 tsp dried thyme $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp pepper $0.02
  • 1.25 lbs boneless chicken thighs (4-5 thighs) $4.23
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil $0.08
  • 1 yellow onion, diced $0.32
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.11
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo $0.32
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth $0.23
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.71
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter $0.30
  • 1/4 cup parmesan $0.44

Instructions

  • Add the paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Mix until combined.
  • Blot the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season both sides liberally with the seasoning blend.
  • Heat a large deep skillet over medium and add the cooking oil. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook undisturbed until well browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan.
  • Turn the heat down to low, and add the onion and garlic. Saute until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the orzo and chicken broth to the skillet and stir well to help dissolve the crispy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it down into the orzo.
  • Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and let the broth come to a full boil. Then turn the heat down to low. Let the skillet simmer for about 15 minutes or until most of the broth is absorbed.
  • After about 15 minutes, the orzo should be tender and most of the broth absorbed, but there will still be a little sauce in the skillet. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
  • Add the cream and the butter to the skillet. Stir and heat over low until the butter melts and the cream is hot.
  • Add the Parmesan and stir to combine.
  • Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. If desired, garnish with parsley.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 779kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 50g | Sodium: 911mg | Fiber: 3g

How to Make Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet – Step by Step Photos

Add 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a small bowl. Mix until combined.

Blot the 1.25 pounds of chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season both sides liberally with the seasoning blend.

Heat a large deep skillet over medium. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook undisturbed until well browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a clean plate. The chicken will finish cooking when simmered with the orzo.

Turn the heat down to low and add the diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Saute until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add the 1/2 cup orzo and the 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet and stir well to help dissolve the crispy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then return the chicken to the pan and nestle it down into the orzo.

Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and let the broth come to a full boil. Then turn the heat down to low. Let the skillet simmer for about 15 minutes or until most of the broth is absorbed. If at any point it stops simmering, increase the heat slightly until it starts to simmer again.

After about 15 minutes, the orzo should be tender and most of the broth absorbed, but there will still be a little sauce in the skillet. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

Then add the 1/2 cup of cream and the 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir and heat over low until the butter melts and the cream is hot.

Next, add the 1/4 cup parmesan and stir to combine.

Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. If you’d like, garnish with chopped Italian parsley and serve. Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for an incredibly filling meal! Wasn’t that easy?

Other Easy Skillet Meals

The post Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet appeared first on Budget Bytes.