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.
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)
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.
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.
Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/