Lemon chicken orzo soup with coriander is a delightful and flavorful soup that combines the brightness of lemon, the comfort of chicken, and the earthy notes of coriander. Here’s a basic recipe for making this delicious soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) for garnish
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken pieces and cook until they start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground coriander and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken and vegetables with the spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
- Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the cooked orzo, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice and zest if needed for your preferred level of tartness.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade lemon chicken orzo soup with coriander! The combination of citrusy lemon, savory chicken, and the warm spice of coriander creates a comforting and refreshing flavor profile.
