Welcome! Today, we have a delightful recipe to share with you: Chicken and Orzo Soup. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and the delightful texture of orzo pasta. It's perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty meal.

Below, we will guide you step by step in the preparation of this delicious soup. But before we dive into the recipe, let's talk a little bit about orzo and where you can find it.

Discover Orzo, The Versatile Pasta

Orzo, also known as risoni, is a small, rice-shaped pasta that originated in Italy. Its shape resembles grains of barley or large grains of rice, but it's actually made from semolina flour. 

Orzo is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to pilafs and casseroles. Its small size and unique shape make it a great addition to many recipes, adding a touch of elegance and texture.

When cooked, orzo becomes tender yet maintains its firmness, making it perfect for soups like our Chicken and Orzo Soup. It absorbs the flavors of the broth, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. 

The Perfect Ingredient

To make this Chicken and Orzo Soup, we recommend using RiceSelect Orzo. RiceSelect is known for its high-quality rice and pasta products, and their orzo is no exception. It's made from premium durum wheat semolina, ensuring a rich and satisfying taste.

The Orzo is easy to cook and guarantees a perfect al dente texture every time. You can find it at your local grocery store, or you can conveniently purchase it online at https://riceselect.com/product/orzo. With RiceSelect Orzo, you can be confident that your Chicken and Orzo Soup will turn out fantastic.
 

Chicken and Orzo Soup A Comforting Delight

Now that you know more about orzo and where to find the best quality product, let's jump right into the recipe. This Chicken and Orzo Soup is packed with delicious flavors and is a complete meal on its own. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup RiceSelect Orzo

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4

Add the RiceSelect Orzo to the pot and let it cook for the time indicated on the package, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Once the orzo is cooked, return the chicken to the pot. Add the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

How Long Can You Keep Chicken and Orzo Soup?

Chicken and Orzo Soup is not only delicious but also convenient for meal prepping. If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week, it's important to know how long you can safely store the soup.

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and safety of your Chicken and Orzo Soup. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Refrigeration: If you have leftover Chicken and Orzo Soup, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before placing it in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth.

Freezing: Chicken and Orzo Soup can also be frozen for longer storage. Transfer the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To ensure the best quality, here are a few tips:

• Label your containers with the date of preparation to keep track of the storage time.

• When reheating the soup, make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any potential bacteria.

• It's important to note that the texture of the orzo pasta may slightly change after freezing and reheating, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Is Chicken and Orzo Soup Healthy?

When it comes to Chicken and Orzo Soup, not only is it delicious and comforting, but it can also be a healthy option. Let's explore why this soup can be a nutritious choice and how you can make it even healthier.

Chicken and Orzo Soup is packed with wholesome ingredients that offer various health benefits. Here's why it can be a healthy addition to your diet:

Lean Protein

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in our bodies. Protein also helps keep us feeling full and satisfied. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the soup, you can reduce the amount of saturated fat while still getting the protein your body needs.

Nutrient-Rich Vegetables

This soup typically includes a medley of vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. These vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being. They add flavor, texture, and a nutritional boost to the soup.

Chicken and Orzo Soup can be a healthy and delicious option for your meals. With its combination of lean protein, nutrient-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from orzo, this soup provides a well-rounded and satisfying dish. By making smart ingredient choices and incorporating additional vegetables, you can enhance the nutritional value of the soup even further.