Lemon And Dill Chicken Orzo Soup
A comforting, one-pot Mediterranean soup featuring tender chicken, whole wheat orzo, and bright lemon. Fresh dill adds a vibrant, refreshing finish to this nourishing bowl.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Makes
2 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Leftover logic: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the orzo will absorb some broth. Add a splash of water or extra broth when reheating.
Do these three things first
- 1Prep cup fresh dill (chopped)
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in…
- 01
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in…
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder, then sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
Look for: lightly browned
Tap card to mark done - 02
Chop the carrots into 1/2-inch rounds
Chop the carrots into 1/2-inch rounds, add them to the pot, and cook for another 2 minutes to soften slightly.
Allow: 2 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 03
Pour in the chicken broth and bring…
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Look for: the chicken is cooked through
Tap card to mark done - 04
Carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting…
Carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Stir the whole wheat orzo into the simmering broth and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until tender.
Look for: tender
Tap card to mark done - 05
Shred the chicken using two forks
While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken using two forks. Once the orzo is done, return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Remove from heat
Remove from heat, stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped dill. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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