Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This delightful soup combines the bright flavors of lemon with tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy broth, reminiscent of the classic chicken piccata. The addition of fried capers adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor, making each spoonful a comforting experience. Perfect for cozy evenings, this soup is both satisfying and refreshing, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes,
For the Soup:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 shallot, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, grated
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth
1/3 cup white wine
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¾ cup light cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Fried Capers:
3 oz jar of capers, drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
Prepare the Fried Capers: In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add drained capers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside for garnish.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in grated garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Create the Roux: Add flour to the shallot and garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for 30 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Build the Soup Base: Pour in chicken broth and white wine, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in uncooked orzo pasta and shredded rotisserie chicken. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking.
Finish the Soup: Add lemon juice, lemon zest, light cream, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the soup is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fried capers and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g