Mean Chef's Yucatan-Style Chicken, Lime, and Orzo Soup

Halcyon Eve's Note:

I adopted this recipe from Mean Chef, who described it as "quick easy and delicious." I agree--it's simple to make, very yummy, and reasonably filling. It makes a good, light meal.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3/4 cup orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 jalapeno chiles, thinly sliced
• 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into matchstick-size strips
• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 large tomato, seeded, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• fresh cilantro (to garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook orzo in pot of boiling salted water until just tender.
2. Drain well.
3. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add onion, garlic, and chiles.
5. Sauté until onion begins to brown, about 4 minutes.
6. Add chicken; sauté 1 minute.
7. Add broth, lime juice, and tomato.
8. Simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes.
9. Mix in orzo, then chopped cilantro.
10. Season soup with salt and pepper.
11. Ladle soup into 4 bowls.
12. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.

Reviews

[adopt a greyhound]

DH loves orzo so I knew we would love this. I did it a bit different as I had left over roasted chicken. I cooked the veggies in oil then added the broth, lime juice and cilantro; brought to a boil and cooked the orzo in the broth. When that was almost done I added the chicken just to heat through. Great flavor and easy to do.

[SarasotaCook]

Very good flavor. Enjoyed it very much. I did have to make a few changes for my taste, but not many and it is because I like very spicy. First, I did saute the onion, peppers, garlic along with some cumin and adobo seasoning (I added some extra seasoning), then added the broth, rotel (instead of a tomato), chicken (roasted chicken I had on hand) and orzo to heat up and cook the orzo. To finish, I added the lime juice and cilantro. I like to add citrus right at the end if possible. To serve it, I topped with some fresh scallionsI It is really a great recipe as is. I just like a bit more seasoning for me personally, but it was really good as is. That was just my personal taste. It was easy and delish. I made it this am ... I wake up very early. I look forward to enjoying a bowl for lunch. 7am is a bit early for it but definitely tasted it and loved it. Will be making again many times. Thx for a great easy recipe. Kim

[Siren Chef]

My girl friend and I gobbled this up and I took it for lunch the rest of the week. I used rotisserie chicken for ease, extra lime juice and a couple dashes of cumin (I thought it needed much more seasoning). Loved it!