Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup from Au Bon Pain features tender chunks of chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables simmered in a zesty lemon-infused broth, offering a comforting and vibrant bowl perfect for any season.
Equipments
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Colander (for rinsing orzo, optional)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 8 cups (2 L) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (170g) orzo pasta
- 1 cup (150g) diced carrots
- 1 cup (130g) diced celery
- 1 cup (150g) diced onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large lemons (zest and juice)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup (10g) chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Ensure you use boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender, lean protein that cooks evenly in the soup. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness and enhance the fresh flavors of the lemon and herbs. Rinsing the orzo pasta can prevent it from becoming too starchy and clumping together during cooking. Fresh lemons, both zest and juice, are essential to achieve the signature zesty brightness in the broth, so use ripe, juicy lemons for the best flavor. Your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup from Au Bon Pain copycat menu will have a perfect balance of vibrant, comforting flavors when these ingredient tips are followed carefully.
Instructions
- Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice carrots, celery, and onion.
- Zest and juice lemons, keeping zest and juice separate.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook, stirring, until lightly browned on the outside.
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Add thyme, oregano, bay leaf, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring soup to a boil.
- Add orzo pasta and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer until orzo and chicken are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf from soup.
- Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Substitution
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup from Au Bon Pain copycat menu can easily be adapted if you don't have boneless chicken breast; boneless thighs or rotisserie chicken work well and add flavor. If orzo pasta is unavailable, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even rice can be used as substitutes without compromising texture. Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the bright, tangy flavor crucial to this soup, but bottled lemon juice can be a last-resort alternative in a pinch. When preparing vegetables, you can swap carrots and celery with similar root vegetables or bell peppers to suit your taste or pantry. Your soup will maintain its comforting and vibrant profile as long as you balance the herbs and seasonings carefully.
Tips
Ensure you dice the chicken and vegetables uniformly to promote even cooking throughout the soup. Avoid overcooking the orzo pasta by adding it only after the broth reaches a boil, simmering just 10 minutes until tender, preventing mushiness. Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level, and adjust seasoning at the end after tasting to suit Your preference. When adding lemon zest and juice, keep them separate to preserve the bright, fresh flavor of the lemons in the final dish.
Nutritions
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a nutritious option rich in lean protein from the boneless, skinless chicken breast, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The low-sodium chicken broth keeps sodium levels in check while providing hydration and essential minerals. Orzo pasta contributes a moderate amount of carbohydrates for energy, and the inclusion of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions adds dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Your bowl of soup delivers a well-balanced blend of macronutrients and micronutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Storage
Store your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in airtight containers once cooled completely to preserve its flavors and prevent spoilage. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, making sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving to maintain the delicate texture of the chicken and orzo. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 2-3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute chicken breast with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced turkey for a different protein twist. Swap orzo pasta with couscous or quinoa to adjust texture and nutritional content. Enhance the lemon flavor by adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning during cooking. You can also roast the vegetables beforehand for a deeper, caramelized flavor before adding them to the soup pot.
Allergies
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup contains common allergens such as chicken and wheat found in orzo pasta, which may trigger reactions in individuals with poultry or gluten allergies. The inclusion of garlic and herbs like thyme and oregano could also cause sensitivity in some people prone to herb-related allergies. You should carefully review ingredient labels and consult with a healthcare provider if you have known food allergies before enjoying this soup.
Why this recipe?
The Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup from Au Bon Pain is praised for its bright, tangy lemon flavor perfectly balanced with tender chicken and al dente orzo pasta, creating a comforting and nutritious meal. This soup delivers a refreshing twist on traditional chicken soup with a unique Mediterranean-inspired taste that appeals to health-conscious diners. You will appreciate its blend of fresh herbs and light broth that enhances hydration and supports immune health. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate this flavorful, wholesome dish at home, tailored to your personal taste and dietary preferences.