Gluten Free Orzo and Chicken Soup with Lemon
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This gluten free orzo and chicken soup with lemon is a cozy, warm meal that is perfect for those cold winter days or when you are feeling under the weather. You will love the pieces of shredded chicken thighs, tender carrots and celery, chewy orzo pasta, and a hint of lemon all in a flavorful broth.
Thank you to the food companies who care about alternative ingredients and continue to come out with gluten free pasta options. Keep ‘em coming! I love that I can enjoy this orzo soup without gluten!
If you are looking for more chicken recipes, try my: Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, Greek Chicken Flatbread with Dairy Free Tzatziki Sauce or Peachy White Balsamic Chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
It is cozy. You will definitely get all the cozy feels from a bowl of this chicken soup. It will fill you up and make you feel warm from the inside out!
It is easy. This entire recipe is made in one pot with simple ingredients. You will have very little clean up and will enjoy being able to sit down and enjoy the soup as soon as possible!
It will fill you up! This easy soup is packed with pieces of tender chicken thighs, carrots, celery, and orzo. Every bite is full of so much flavor and a bowl of this will fill you right up!
Ingredients
Here are notes about the ingredients needed to make this healthy soup. All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or an online retailer.
Avocado oil
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Oregano
Orzo: Use gluten free orzo. My favorite gluten free pasta brand is Jovial Foods, which uses cassava flour.
Chicken broth
Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work the best.
Lemon
Salt & black pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
Here is how to make this lemon chicken orzo soup recipe.
Step 1: Heat a large soup pot over medium high heat. Add the oil and the chicken thighs. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
Step 2: Transfer chicken thighs to a paper towel lined plate.
Step 3: Add the carrots, celery and onion to the browned bits and oil in the soup pot. Saute until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-8 minutes.
Step 4: Add the oregano, salt and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: While the vegetables cook, shred the chicken thighs using two forks.
Step 6: Add the chicken broth to the pot and allow it to come to a simmer before adding the orzo and shredded chicken. Stir well.
Step 7: Simmer the soup until the veggies and pasta are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 8: Squeeze the juice from half of a lemon into the soup pot. Season with sea salt and black pepper, to taste. Serve!
Expert Tips
Serve this steaming bowl of hearty soup with a green salad and your favorite gluten free bread for a complete meal!
Add additional broth, if needed. The orzo will absorb some of the broth so if you would like the soup to be a bit more brothy, add as much as you desire!
Serve with lemon wedges on the side or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top!
Variations
Use fresh oregano in place of the ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. I would use 1 ½ teaspoons fresh in place of the dried.
Instead of orzo, feel free to use any other gluten free small cut pasta.
Use olive oil in place of the avocado oil.
Use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of the chicken thighs. Just add the shredded chicken in with the orzo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious chicken lemon orzo soup with a green salad and a nice piece of gluten free bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use gluten free orzo?
No. This soup can be made with regular orzo containing gluten. Feel free to use whichever small pasta shape you prefer.
Can I make this with chicken breasts?
Yes. Feel free to use boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken cutlets. Depending on the size of the chicken breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
What can I do with leftovers?
Store completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Freeze the cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator and heat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
More Easy Recipes
Gluten Free Banana Bread Overnight Oats: This recipe for gluten free banana bread overnight oats is quick and easy to make. It is filled with healthy and filling ingredients like bananas, ground flax seed, oatmeal, and pecans.
Vegan Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole: This Vegan Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect holiday side dish. It is sweetened with maple syrup and seasoned with cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg.
Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Dressing: This fall harvest salad is made with an array of seasonal fruits and veggies. Roasted golden beets, asparagus and broccolini give this salad a warm heartier vibe. Along with a contrast of colorful fruits like apples and dried unsweetened cranberries.
If you make this recipe, don't forget to leave a comment in the box below!