Amazing Lemon Chicken Soup: 300 Calories

There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? It’s like a cozy hug on a chilly day. But what if you could add a little sunshine to that hug? That’s exactly what this Lemon Chicken Soup does! It’s my absolute go to when I need something quick, super flavorful, and utterly comforting. I remember making a big pot of this on a rainy afternoon right after I moved into my first apartment. It felt like instant home, and the bright lemon just cut through all the stress. This Lemon Chicken Soup is ridiculously easy and packs a punch of flavor that’ll have you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Soup

Seriously, this soup is a winner! Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:

• Super Speedy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights!
• Effortlessly Easy: Minimal chopping, simple steps – anyone can make it!
• Bright & Zesty Flavor: That perfect balance of savory chicken soup with a lively lemon kick.
• Pure Comfort: It’s like a warm, sunny hug in a bowl.\
• Versatile: Great as a light lunch or a starter for a bigger meal.
• Uses Simple Ingredients: Chances are you already have most of what you need!

Gather Your Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Soup

Alright, let’s get this delicious Lemon Chicken Soup simmering! You probably have most of this stuff hanging around your kitchen already, which is part of why I love it so much. Here’s what you’ll need:

First up, the base: a little bit of olive oil (just 1 tablespoon is fine!) to get things going. Then, one medium onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine. You want that garlic to release all its wonderful aroma!

For the broth, grab 8 cups of good quality chicken broth. This is the heart of the soup, so use one you really like! Then, you’ll need about 2 cups of cooked chicken. I usually just shred up some leftover rotisserie chicken or some plain cooked chicken breast – súper easy!

Next, we’ve got 1/2 cup of orzo pasta. This little pasta shape is perfect for soup, don’t you think? If you’re curious about different ways to use chicken and orzo, you might want to check out this protein chicken orzo recipe for inspiration, though this soup is way simpler!

The stars of the show at the end are 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice – and trust me, fresh makes ALL the difference here! – and 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped up. And of course, you’ll finish it all off with salt and black pepper, just to your taste. So simple, right?

Essential Equipment for Making Lemon Chicken Soup

You really don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this yummy soup! Just a few basic kitchen staples will do the trick. Make sure you have a good-sized large pot – big enough to hold all that delicious broth and fixings. You’ll also need a sturdy cutting board and a nice, sharp knife for chopping your onion and parsley. And of course, a trusty ladle for serving up those steaming bowls!

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Lemon Chicken Soup

Alright, get ready to whip up this amazing Lemon Chicken Soup! It’s seriously straightforward, but these little steps make sure it tastes absolutely fantastic. If you’re looking for other easy one-pot meals, definitely check out this easy chicken and rice or this fun chicken sausage broccoli orzo, but for soup, this is the way to go!

Sautéing Aromatics for the Lemon Chicken Soup Base

First things first, grab your big pot and drizzle in that olive oil. Let it get nice and warm over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften up for about 5 minutes – you want it tender, not brown! Then, add the minced garlic. Give it a stir for just about a minute until you can really smell that delicious garlicky goodness. Careful not to burn it!

Building the Broth for Your Lemon Chicken Soup

Now, pour in that chicken broth! It’s time to get things bubbly. Just bring it all up to a nice, rolling boil. This is where all the flavors start to get cozy.

Cooking the Chicken and Orzo in Your Lemon Chicken Soup

Okay, here comes the hearty stuff! Add your cooked chicken and that adorable orzo pasta to the pot. Give it a good stir, then turn the heat down a bit so it’s just simmering gently. Let it bubble away for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until that orzo is perfectly tender. You don’t want mushy pasta!

Finishing Touches for the Perfect Lemon Chicken Soup

This is where the magic really happens! Stir in your fresh lemon juice – oh, the brightness! – and all that chopped fresh parsley. It just wakes everything up and makes it taste so vibrant and fresh.

Seasoning and Serving Your Lemon Chicken Soup

Taste it! Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? Add it in until it tastes just right for you. This is YOUR soup! Then, grab your ladle, scoop it into bowls, and serve it up hot. Enjoy that sunshine!

Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Soup

You know, making this Lemon Chicken Soup is pretty foolproof, but there are always a couple of little tricks I’ve picked up that make it even *better*. First off, use the freshest ingredients you can find, especially that lemon juice. Bottled stuff just doesn’t have that zing! Trust me on this one.

Also, don’t skimp on the chicken broth; a good quality broth really makes a difference. And if you’re ever feeling adventurous, I sometimes throw in a stalk or two of finely chopped celery with the onion – gives it a nice little extra flavor boost. Oh, and my secret weapon? A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes right when you add the garlic. It’s not spicy, just adds a little warmth that’s lovely. If you like soup ideas, you might enjoy this poblano chicken tortilla soup recipe too!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Lemon Chicken Soup

So, you’re making my favorite Lemon Chicken Soup, and maybe you’re wondering about a couple of things, totally normal! Let’s chat about the ingredients. For the cooked chicken, don’t stress too much. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver, but plain cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs work perfectly too. If you don’t have any cooked chicken on hand, you can totally poach about a cup of chicken breast right in the broth before you add the orzo – just remove it, shred it, and pop it back in!

When it comes to chicken broth, I really prefer a good quality store-bought one or homemade if you’ve got it simmering away. That low-sodium stuff is great if you want to control the salt yourself. And for the orzo pasta? If you can’t find orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even broken spaghetti work just fine. You could also swap it out for some cooked rice near the end if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, but remember, orzo is key to that classic feel! For more pasta fun, check out this chicken mozzarella pasta recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Chicken Soup

Have a few lingering questions about whipping up this sunshiney soup? I get it! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this easy Lemon Chicken Soup. If you want to try another amazing soup recipe, check out this killer white chili recipe!

Can I make this Lemon Chicken Soup ahead of time?

You totally can! The flavors actually meld together even more in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You might want to add a splash more broth or water when reheating, and the lemon juice might need a little top-up too!

What kind of chicken is best for this soup?

Honestly, the beauty of this Lemon Chicken Soup is its flexibility. Leftover rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s already seasoned and super tender. But plain cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced, work just as wonderfully. You can even poach chicken breast right in the broth if you start from scratch!

Can I freeze this Lemon Chicken Soup?

This soup freezes pretty well, but there’s a catch. The orzo can get a little mushy after thawing. If you plan on freezing it, I’d suggest cooking the orzo separately and adding it to individual bowls when you reheat the soup. It’s a little extra step, but worth it for smooth sailing!

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you like a little heat, this is an easy fix! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic in the first step. You could also add a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick. It won’t overpower the lemon, just add a nice little warmth!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a little peek at what you’re getting in a bowl of this sunshiney Lemon Chicken Soup. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, like a friendly guideline! The exact numbers can change a bit depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you add. But generally, you’re looking at around 300-350 calories, about 10-15g of fat, a hefty dose of 25-30g of protein, and roughly 20-25g of carbohydrates per serving. Pretty great for such a light and flavorful soup!

Share Your Lemon Chicken Soup Experience!

I just *love* hearing from you guys! Did a batch of this Lemon Chicken Soup make its way to your table? I’d be over the moon to know if you enjoyed it! Please drop a comment below, let me know how it turned out, and maybe even share a pic on social media. And if you loved it, a rating would be super helpful too! You can find the recipe again here if you need it!