This Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup with Orzo is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and al dente orzo pasta in a rich, savory broth. Inspired by the photo you provided, this soup is perfect for those chilly days when you need something warm and nourishing. The addition of orzo adds a delightful texture that complements the tender vegetables and juicy chicken, making each spoonful satisfying and comforting.

Photo byElizabeth

In this recipe, the flavors of the vegetables and chicken meld beautifully with the rich tomato-based broth, creating a soup that’s both hearty and light. The orzo pasta adds a touch of comfort, making this soup a complete meal in itself. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy dinner or a wholesome lunch, this Chicken Vegetable Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup with Orzo Recipe

Ingredients:

• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
• - 1 large onion, diced
• - 2 carrots, sliced
• - 2 celery stalks, sliced
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced
• - 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
• - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
• - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• - 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• - 1 teaspoon dried basil
• - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

   - If your chicken is not already cooked, you can cook it by simmering in chicken broth until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, shred the chicken and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Build the Soup:

   - Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), green beans, and dried herbs (thyme and basil) to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Cook the Orzo:

   - Stir in the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the soup, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on the soup to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Add the Chicken:

   - Add the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Season and Serve:

   - Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Photo byElizabeth

Serving Suggestions:

- Serve this Chicken Vegetable Soup with Orzo warm, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

- For added richness, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.

- This soup is perfect for meal prepping; simply store portions in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick, healthy meal on busy days.

Storage Information:

- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

- This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

This Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup with Orzo is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any time of year. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty orzo in a savory broth makes this soup a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the rich, warming flavors with each spoonful!