Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Mushrooms and Kale
Ingredients
- ½ cup grain-free orzo – such as Jovial Foods brand
- to tasteKosher salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 carrots – diced
- 1 yellow onion – diced
- 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic – finely chopped
- 1 quart chicken stock
- ½ cup chopped
frozen kale
- 1 cup shredded roasted or poached chicken
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- to tasteFreshly-cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Directions
- 1
Fill a medium sauce pan with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Season the water with 2 teaspoons salt and add the orzo. Cook according to package instructions or until the orzo is barely al dente. Strain, rinse with water to prevent clumping, and set aside.
- 2
Add olive oil to a saute pan and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Add the carrot and onion and season with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until slightly softened, around 6 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring until slightly softened, around 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 60 seconds.
- 3
Add the chicken stock and kale. Raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Cook until the carrots are soft, around 8 minutes. Add the chicken, lemon zest and juice.
- 4
Add the reserved orzo and stir through to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as desired. Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls and garnish with fresh dill.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Mushrooms and Kale
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About this Recipe
When you're craving a bowl of pure comfort that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Mushrooms and Kale is your answer. It's the kind of hearty, warming meal that makes a busy weeknight feel special, delivering a burst of fresh flavor in every spoonful.
What makes this soup a weeknight hero is its thoughtful blend of flavors and textures, coming together with just 5 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking. The bright notes of lemon juice and zest cut through the richness, while tender shredded chicken, earthy cremini mushrooms, and nutrient-packed kale create a balanced, comforting meal. The inclusion of grain-free orzo ensures a delightful bite that feels substantial without being overly heavy.
Prepare for a vibrant, flavorful experience. You'll enjoy a golden, aromatic broth brimming with tender pieces of chicken, soft diced carrots and onions, and savory mushrooms. The delicate orzo adds body, soaking up the delicious broth, while the kale brings a touch of healthy green and pleasant texture. A generous finish of fresh dill and a bright squeeze of lemon tie it all together, making each spoonful feel both wholesome and incredibly fresh. It’s a truly comforting bowl that nourishes the soul with minimal effort.
Easily adapt this soup to your pantry. If grain-free orzo isn't on hand, regular orzo works beautifully; just cook it separately and add it at the end to prevent it from soaking up too much broth. Feel free to swap cremini mushrooms for button mushrooms, or use fresh kale if you prefer, adding it a few minutes earlier to allow it to wilt. For a different protein, leftover turkey would be delicious, or you could even omit the chicken for a satisfying vegetarian-friendly option (using vegetable stock, of course).
This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or anytime you need a delicious, soul-warming meal. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.