Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light yet comforting bowl of goodness made with tender shredded chicken, vibrant lemon, hearty orzo pasta, and fresh spinach. Perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or anytime you crave something wholesome and bright, this soup comes together easily and stores well.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
8 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup orzo pasta
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Place the chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook the chicken for 15–20 minutes or until fully cooked.
3. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
4. Add orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
5. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley or a lemon wedge if desired.
Notes
Orzo continues to soak up broth as it sits. Add extra broth when reheating leftovers.
For a gluten-free version, substitute with cooked rice or gluten-free pasta.
Soup can be made ahead and stored up to 4 days in the fridge or frozen without orzo for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon chicken orzo soup, healthy soup, easy chicken soup