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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables in a bright, lemony broth. It’s perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.

 

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 bay leaf

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

1 lemon, zested and juiced

2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables:

 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Broth and Chicken:

 

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot.

Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

Shred Chicken:

 

Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Cook Orzo:

 

Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and continue to simmer until the orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Add Lemon and Spinach:

 

Stir in the lemon zest and juice.

Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook until they are wilted, about 2 minutes.

Season and Serve:

 

Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.

If the soup thickens upon standing, add a bit more chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.