Description
A bright and comforting Lemon Chicken Piccata Soup featuring tender chicken, tangy lemon, capers, and orzo in a savory broth. Perfect for any season, easy to make, and packed with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Onion
- Chicken broth
- White wine
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Capers
- Flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Orzo or another small pasta
- Heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers. Stir well to combine.
- Shred and Return Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the orzo or small pasta and cook until al dente.
- Thicken the Soup: If desired, mix a small amount of flour with water to create a slurry and add it to the soup for a slightly thicker consistency.
- Final Touches: Stir in heavy cream for a richer texture (optional). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour for cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Omit the Parmesan and heavy cream, or use a dairy-free substitute.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Piccata Soup, chicken soup, lemon soup, easy soup recipe, Italian soup