Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and certified gluten-free orzo, this dish uses a tempering technique with egg yolks to create a silky, creamy broth without any dairy. It is light, refreshing, and incredibly nourishing, offering a bright lemon finish that makes it a perfect soul-warming meal for the entire family.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3-4 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
6 cups chicken bone broth
12 ounces cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
1 cup certified gluten-free orzo
3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 large egg yolks
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill or basil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaf, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken bone broth and bring to a simmer.
Add the gluten-free orzo and cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the shredded chicken and spinach until the spinach wilts.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together.
Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding a ladleful of the hot broth into the eggs while whisking constantly.
Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the soup, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure you temper the eggs properly to prevent curdling in the hot broth. Use certified gluten-free orzo to ensure the dish remains strictly safe for those with celiac disease. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though the orzo may absorb more liquid over time.