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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A heartwarming Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup that’s perfect for cozy gatherings, brimming with flavor, comfort, and a zing of zest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Chicken (Boneless, Skinless, thighs or breasts)
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta
  • 2 Lemons (juiced)
  • 4 cups Spinach (or Kale)
  • 2 Carrots (diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Onion (chopped)
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and the onion is translucent.
  2. Add garlic: Toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and stir for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the chicken: Push the veggies to one side of the pot and add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper and sear until golden brown, about 5-8 minutes.
  4. Pour in the broth: Add 6 cups of chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any bits stuck on the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the orzo: Once the soup is bubbling, add 1 cup of orzo and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes until tender.
  6. Finish with spinach and lemon: Stir in 4 cups of fresh spinach and the juice of 1-2 lemons. Let it simmer another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  7. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
  8. Serve immediately: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

This soup holds up well and the flavors deepen when stored. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; add more broth if it thickens.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, orzo soup, lemon soup, comfort food, cozy recipes