Description
A bright and comforting chicken stew infused with fresh lemon flavor and tender orzo pasta. This dish is light yet satisfying, with a delicate balance of citrus and savory notes, perfect for a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
Seasonings & Garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the pot along with 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer Chicken: Reduce heat to low and simmer the stew gently for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in 1/2 cup of orzo pasta into the simmering broth. Continue cooking for 8–10 minutes or until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the juice of one lemon, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls, garnish each with fresh parsley, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust lemon juice based on your preferred level of brightness.
- For a quicker option, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean