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Lemon Chicken Soup

A creamy and nutritious lemon chicken soup packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a refreshing citrus touch, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the soup base
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Essential for sautéing the vegetables.
  • 1 onion, diced Adds depth and sweetness.
  • 2 carrots, diced Introduces natural sweetness.
  • 2 celery stalks, diced Contributes crunch.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
  • 2 bay leaves Infuses depth of flavor.
  • 1 pound chicken breasts The star ingredient for protein.
  • 6 cups chicken stock Base liquid for the soup.
  • 1 cup orzo Adds a chewy texture.
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice Brightens the dish.
  • 2 egg yolks Adds creaminess.
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped Complements the lemon.
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper Enhances flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Incorporate the bay leaves and chicken breasts into the pot.
  5. Add the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Take out the cooked chicken breasts and bay leaves from the soup pot.
  8. Stir in the orzo pasta and continue to cook for 10 minutes until tender.
  9. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
  10. While orzo cooks, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice in a bowl.
  11. Ladle out 1-2 cups of hot soup and mix it into the egg-lemon mixture to warm it.
  12. Pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the soup pot.
  13. Continue cooking the soup for an additional 5 minutes.
  14. Add a handful of fresh dill, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  15. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, start with high-quality chicken stock. You can personalize the soup with extra vegetables or herbs to your liking.