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Restorative Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup with Rotisserie Chicken

A close-up of a white bowl filled with Mediterranean lemon chicken soup, featuring shredded chicken, orzo pasta, carrots, and fresh parsley.
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Make this comforting Greek lemon soup using leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick, nurturing meal. It is a bright, easy spring soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the broth. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the shredded chicken, dill, and oregano. Return the soup to a gentle simmer.
  4. In a separate bowl, prepare the avgolemono base. Whisk the eggs until light and frothy. Slowly whisk in the lemon juice.
  5. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Whisk the flour into the melted butter until smooth to create a roux. Add this roux to the egg and lemon mixture, whisking constantly until fully incorporated.
  6. Temper the egg mixture: Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot soup broth into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
  7. Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the simmering soup pot, stirring continuously. Keep the heat low; do not let the soup boil after adding the eggs.
  8. Add the orzo pasta to the soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
  9. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe very fast for a weeknight meal.
  • For the brightest flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the amount of orzo slightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/mediterranean-lemon-chicken-soup-recipe/