Description
Warm up your soul with this cozy whole chicken orzo soup. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables simmered in rich chicken broth. It’s simple to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or intimate gatherings. With each spoonful, you’ll experience a burst of flavors that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole roasting chicken (4 to 5 lbs)
- 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
- 4 large carrots, sliced (divided)
- 4 ribs celery, diced (divided)
- 2 medium yellow onions, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- 3 cups chopped Tuscan kale
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 10 to 12 cups cold water
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (to taste)
- Lemon slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Simmer Whole Chicken: In an 8-quart stockpot, combine whole chicken, onion halves, garlic head, half the carrots and celery, herbs, peppercorns, and water. Bring to a boil, skim foam, cover, and simmer gently on low for 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Shred Chicken & Strain Broth: Transfer chicken to a cutting board to cool. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding cooked aromatics. Discard chicken bones/skin and shred all meat with a fork.
- Cook Orzo & Kale: Bring strained broth to a simmer with remaining carrots and celery for 5 minutes. Stir in dry orzo pasta and chopped kale, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until orzo is al dente.
- Combine & Serve: Stir shredded chicken, lemon juice, and fresh dill into soup. Season with salt. Ladle into warm bowls, top with grated Parmesan and lemon slices, and serve with crusty sourdough bread!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Soups
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg