Creamy Chicken and Orzo Soup with Fresh Dill
A cozy, creamy chicken soup enriched with orzo, fresh dill, and lemon, offering a perfect balance of comfort and brightness in every spoonful.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 large, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded
- Orzo Pasta: ¾ cup
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup
- Fresh Dill: ¼ cup, finely chopped
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine and remove lumps.
- Assemble the Dish: Add shredded chicken and orzo. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Cook to Perfection: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, dill, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–4 more minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Finishing Touches: Let rest for a couple minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld and soup to thicken slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra dill or a lemon wedge if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Cook orzo separately if planning to store or freeze for better texture.
- Use fresh dill and lemon for a bright, balanced flavor.
- Warm the cream slightly before adding to avoid curdling.
- Add spinach or peas at the end for extra color and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy chicken soup, orzo soup, dill soup, lemon chicken orzo, comfort food soup, one pot dinner