Corner Bakery Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, there are few dishes that provide the warmth, heartiness, and nourishment like a delicious bowl of soup. And one soup that has gained a special place in the hearts of many is the Chicken Orzo Soup. This particular recipe, inspired by Corner Bakery Café’s famous dish, is everything you want in a comforting meal: rich, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s the kind of soup that wraps you up in a cozy embrace, whether you’re fighting off a cold or just need a quick and filling meal.

Now, you might be thinking, ’Can I really make a version of this soup that”s just as good as what I get from the café”? Absolutely! You can make it right in your own kitchen, and I promise it’s going to be every bit as good (or even better) than the version you get when dining out. Plus, you can tweak it to your own liking, making it a bit more personalized. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe.

Corner Bakery Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

This soup is a symphony of flavors-tender chicken, wholesome orzo, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The beauty of this dish lies in how simple ingredients come together to create something that feels like it took hours to prepare, even though it’s quick and easy to make.

Here’s the perfect homemade version of the famous Corner Bakery Chicken Orzo Soup:

Ingredients Needed

Before you start cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This list is simple, yet the combination of these ingredients creates a depth of flavor that’ll have you craving this soup on a regular basis.

• Chicken Breast or Thighs (boneless, skinless) – About 2 large breasts or 4 thighs. This will be the heart of your soup, adding that tender, juicy protein to balance the other ingredients.
• Orzo Pasta – 1 cup. Orzo adds that lovely bite to the soup and soaks up all the delicious broth. If you can’t find orzo, you can substitute with another small pasta, like ditalini or even rice.
• Carrots – 2 medium-sized, diced. These will add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the soup.
• Celery – 2 stalks, chopped. Celery provides a nice crunch and a hint of earthiness.
• Yellow Onion – 1 medium, chopped. Onions bring depth to the flavor base of the soup.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. Garlic is a must for that aromatic, savory note that ties everything together.
• Chicken Broth – 6 cups. You can use either store-bought or homemade. If using store-bought, opt for low-sodium to control the salt level.
• Bay Leaves – 2. These add a fragrant herbal touch that infuses the soup.
• Thyme – 2 teaspoons dried (or 2 sprigs fresh). Thyme pairs beautifully with chicken and vegetables.
• Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish. Adds a fresh, herby brightness right before serving.
• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the fun part-the cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of this amazing soup ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes.

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • If you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, season them with salt and pepper.
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Add The Garlic

   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes aromatic.

4. Add The Broth And Herbs

   • Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

5. Cook The Orzo

   • Add the orzo to the pot. Continue simmering for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed some of the flavors.

6. Shred The Chicken

   • While the soup is simmering, shred the chicken using two forks. Once the chicken is shredded, add it back into the soup.

7. Final Touches

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves and discard them. If you like a bit more of a herby kick, feel free to add extra thyme or some fresh parsley.

8. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into some of the key ingredients in this soup and why they work so well together:

• Chicken: Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, but using thighs will give a richer flavor and slightly more moisture to the soup. Either works well, so pick your favorite based on taste preference or what you have on hand.
• Orzo Pasta: Orzo’s small, rice-like shape makes it perfect for soups. It absorbs the flavors of the broth while maintaining its shape. You could swap it out for other small pastas, but orzo really holds its own in this dish.
• Broth: Homemade chicken broth is unbeatable in terms of flavor, but if you’re in a time crunch, store-bought is a fine substitute. Look for a low-sodium variety to prevent the soup from becoming too salty.
• Vegetables: Carrots and celery give a fresh, crunchy texture while contributing a natural sweetness and earthiness that balances the savory chicken and broth.
• Herbs: The thyme and bay leaves give the soup a fragrant base note that pairs perfectly with the chicken, while fresh parsley adds a light, bright finish to the dish.

Expert Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker version of this soup, you can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts or thighs. Just shred the chicken and add it towards the end to warm through.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: This recipe can easily be adapted to a slow cooker or pressure cooker. For the slow cooker, add all the ingredients (except orzo) and cook on low for 6 hours. Add the orzo about 30 minutes before serving. For a pressure cooker, use the sauté function for the veggies, then pressure cook for 10 minutes.
• Make it Creamy: If you like your soups a little creamy, add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half when you add the chicken back in. This gives the broth a rich, silky texture.

Recipe Variations

While this Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to change things up to suit your tastes:

• Add Greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños with the onions and carrots.
• Lemon Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the soup and balances out the richness.
• Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, swap the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice. Make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free!

Final Words

Making a comforting, hearty bowl of soup doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and a dash of love, you can recreate the popular Corner Bakery Chicken Orzo Soup right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect dish to serve for dinner on a chilly night, or to meal prep for the week ahead.

Not only will you be enjoying a delicious meal, but you’ll also feel the sense of satisfaction that comes from cooking something from scratch. Plus, the variations and customizations are endless, so don’t hesitate to play around with flavors and ingredients to make it your own.