Description
This Fall Chicken and Orzo Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Packed with tender chicken thighs, soft orzo pasta, and fall vegetables in a golden herb-infused broth, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds raw chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Nestle the chicken thighs into the pot. Add chicken broth and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with forks, then return to pot. Stir in orzo and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Discard bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning. Optional: add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to speed up the recipe.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Store leftovers without orzo if freezing to avoid sogginess.
- Add spinach or kale for a veggie boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: fall chicken orzo soup, cozy soup, easy chicken soup, orzo soup, fall recipe, comfort food