Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1-2 lemons (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken and Orzo:
- Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts (whole) and season with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Let the chicken cook for about 10-15 minutes, until fully cooked and tender. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
- Add the Orzo:
- While the chicken is cooling, add the orzo pasta to the broth and simmer for 7-9 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Finish the Soup:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, adjusting the amount of lemon juice to your taste.
- If desired, add chopped spinach and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a light salad on the side.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combines tender chicken, light vegetables, and a tangy lemon flavor, creating a healthy, comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!