Description
A hearty, creamy soup made with tender chicken, pasta-like orzo, and a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette. This one-pot dish is perfect for weeknights, combining warmth and vibrant flavors in a quick, family-friendly recipe.
Ingredients
16 ounces cooked orzo
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces total)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 handful fresh cilantro, for garnish
1 avocado, cubed
3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1½ tablespoons honey
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for dressing)
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon salt (for dressing seasonings)
¼ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground for dressing)
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Add 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth to a large pot and bring to a boil.
Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook chicken in the boiling broth for 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot.
Stir in cooked orzo and simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Prepare vinaigrette: mix lime juice, honey, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, dressing salt, dressing pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Toss orzo in the pot with the vinaigrette until the broth reduces slightly and thickens.
Just before serving, stir in sliced green onions and crumble cooked chicken into the soup.
Divide into bowls and top with cubed avocado and fresh cilantro garnish.
Notes
Broth is a crucial base but not explicitly listed in the article’s ingredients—include it for authenticity.
Customize with vegetables like carrots or potatoes if available.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (avoid adding raw avocado until serving).
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
