# Winter Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: A Zesty Bowl of Comfort
## Introduction
Winter is here, and the chill in the air calls for heartiness and warmth in every dish. Enter the Winter Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, a cozy and delightful bowl that infuses the brisk wintry air with a zesty fragrance and fills your soul with comforting warmth.
## Why Make this Recipe?
This Winter Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect cure to the winter blues. Loaded with robust flavors, it pairs the familiar comfort of a homemade chicken soup with the refreshing twist of lemon. It’s the perfect way to incorporate the tanginess of lemon into a warm, hearty soup that satisfies both your hunger and your culinary curiosity. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to put leftover chicken to superb use.
## How to Make Winter Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
### Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– Juice of 2 lemons
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
### Directions:
Heating, stirring, simmering, and garnishing are all you need to bring this delicious winter staple to your table.
1. Start with heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes, until tender.
2. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme and let it cook for an additional minute to truly unlock their flavors.
3. Stir in the chicken broth and turn up the heat to get the mixture boiling. It’s time to add the orzo pasta and let it cook until it’s al dente.
4. Turn down the heat to a simmer, add the shredded chicken, and incorporate the lemon juice and lemon zest. Just a little seasoning with salt and pepper and let it simmer again, allowing the flavors to truly meld for about 10 minutes.
5. Ladle out this zesty, warm delight garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an eye-catching, fresh finish.
## How to Serve Winter Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
The Winter Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a complete, balanced, and satisfying dish on its own, making it a top contender for the main course on cold winter nights. Complement it with crusty bread or rolls to soak up every bit of this zesty, hearty soup, and you’ve got yourself a superb winter feast.
## How to Store Winter Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to cool it first, then store in a tightly-sealed container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating over medium heat.
## Tips to Make Winter Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
– Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more intense, earthy aroma.
– Switch out chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
– If you like a thicker soup, stir in a roux made from 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of butter at the end.
## Variation
For a creamier version, stir in half a cup of heavy cream before adding the lemon juice. It adds a velvety richness that pairs delightfully with the tangy lemon.
## FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
– Q: Can I use lemon concentrate instead of fresh lemons?
– A: Fresh lemons are recommended for their natural zest and juice, but you can substitute with 3-4 tablespoons of lemon concentrate.
– Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
– A: Yes. If orzo is not available, you can replace it with similar-sized pasta like Ditalini or small shells.
– Q: Is there a specific chicken part that tastes best in the soup?
– A: Cooked breast or thigh meat both work well. For a richer, deeper flavor, go for the chicken thighs.
Embrace the icy winter’s chill with the warmth only a homemade Winter Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup 🍋🍲 can offer. Cheers to winter dining at its finest!