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    Bright Lemon-Thyme Chicken Orzo Soup

    clock-icon45 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A bright and comforting soup featuring lemon, thyme, chicken, and orzo.

    Ingredients for Bright Lemon-Thyme Chicken Orzo Soup

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    units in
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    serves
    4 peoplechevron
    serves
    4 peoplechevron

    Unsalted Butter

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Small Onion, finely chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chicken Stock

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fresh Thyme Sprigs

    sprigs

    Substitute chevron-down

    Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Pepper

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Orzo

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Egg Yolks

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Juice

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Shredded Rotisserie Chicken

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chopped Fresh Chives

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Bright Lemon-Thyme Chicken Orzo Soup

    1. Melt Butter and Cook Onion

    Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook it for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.

    2. Add Broth, Thyme, Salt, Pepper, and Orzo

    Next, increase the heat to high and add the chicken broth, fresh thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo and cook it for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

    3. Remove Thyme and Temper Egg Yolks

    As soon as the orzo is cooked, remove and discard the thyme sprigs. While the orzo is cooking, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice in a bowl until they are well combined. This step is crucial to achieving a smooth and silky soup.

    4. Temper Egg Yolk Mixture

    Now, to prevent the egg yolks from curdling, you need to temper them. With one hand, whisk the yolk mixture constantly, and with the other hand, slowly pour a ladleful of the hot soup into the bowl. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth. Gradually pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. This step ensures the soup remains smooth and creamy.

    5. Add Chicken and Let Sit

    Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, cover the saucepan, and let the soup sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

    6. Serve

    Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh chives over the soup for a burst of freshness. Serve the soup immediately, savoring the bright and comforting flavors of lemon and thyme. Enjoy!

    Variations

    Asian-Inspired Ginger Chicken Orzo Soup

    Keep chicken in thinly sliced form, swap orzo for rice noodles or keep, add ginger and swap thyme for cilantro or Thai basil, use lime, use chicken broth with soy sauce and sesame oil, include bok choy, mushrooms, and green onions, garnish with cilantro and chili oil.

    Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup

    Replace chicken with Italian sausage, keep orzo, add fennel seeds, use a splash of balsamic vinegar and lemon, use chicken broth and tomato sauce, include zucchini and bell peppers, garnish with fresh basil and grated parmesan.

    Lemon-Dill Salmon Orzo Soup

    Use salmon instead of chicken, keep orzo or try farro, swap thyme for dill, keep lemon, use fish or vegetable broth, add asparagus and peas, finish with crème fraîche and fresh dill.

    Mediterranean Chickpea Orzo Soup

    Replace chicken with chickpeas, keep orzo or use pearl couscous, add oregano and basil, keep lemon and consider white wine, use vegetable or chicken broth, add spinach and diced tomatoes, top with feta cheese and extra virgin olive oil.

    Mexican Chicken Orzo Soup

    Keep chicken, preferably thigh meat, keep orzo or use rice, add cumin, coriander, and cilantro, keep lemon or try lime, use chicken broth with tomato puree, include corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes, top with avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips.


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