Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 ribs celery, diced
– 6 cups chicken broth or stock
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– Juice and zest of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Creating this incredible Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup can be both simple and rewarding with the following step-by-step instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
5. Shred Chicken: While the orzo cooks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
6. Combine Chicken and Spinach: After the orzo is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
7. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and wilt the spinach.
9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
These straightforward steps will guide you in preparing an amazing bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup that everyone will adore.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 25g