Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken breast: 500g (1 pound)
- Orzo pasta: 200g (7 ounces)
- Lemons: 3 (fresh)
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth: 2 liters (about 8 cups)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley or basil: to Garnish (optional)
Preparation Time: 45 minutes (including prep and cooking time)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, boil chicken broth and add chopped chicken breast. Simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from pot and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Return chicken broth to pot and add orzo pasta. Continue to cook until pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.
- While pasta is cooking, juice the lemons and set aside the juice.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and cook for a few minutes until onions are tender.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve hot in bowls and enjoy!
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Dish Characteristics:
- Bright and citrusy flavor from fresh lemon juice
- Comforting and hearty soup with chicken and pasta
- Easy to customize with additional vegetables or flavors
User Comments:
- "This soup was refreshing and delicious! The lemon added a nice tangy flavor."
- "I loved the combination of chicken and orzo in this soup. It was very hearty and filling."
- "The perfect balance of flavors - the lemon brightened up the dish and made it very enjoyable."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. If using bottled lemon juice, reduce the amount slightly as it may be more concentrated.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference. This soup is easy to customize based on your tastes.
- Orzo pasta can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator if needed. Just reheat before adding to the soup.
