Recipe – Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

From: Healthy Harvest

A fun twist on the traditional Chicken Noodle Soup. The use of lemon adds brightness for the coldest winter months. All your favorite veggies are here, but use any greens you like instead of spinach. Use fresh local ingredients. Find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups carrots, about 3 large, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups celery, about 3 stalks, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup onions about 1 large, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 7 cups chicken broth or broth of choice
  • 1 tbsp oregano or 1 1/2 tsp dried
  • 1 tsp basil* or thyme, and rosemary (or 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning)
  • 1 cup dried orzo
  • 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh-squeezed
  • 5 cups spinach or green of choice, torn into small, bite-sized pieces
  • salt + pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to pot. Sear 2-3 minutes on each side until chicken is browned. Remove chicken to a plate. You may need to do this in 2 batches.
  3. Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion to pot. Saute 6-8 minutes or until veggies are nearly tender. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute.
  4. Pour chicken broth into pot with vegetables. Add herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return chicken to pot and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add orzo. Reduce heat to medium-low and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and reads 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.
  6. Remove chicken and allow to rest on a cutting board for 3-5 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Chop chicken into small bite-sized cubes. Allow soup to simmer for a few more minutes until orzo is tender.
  7. Return chicken to soup along with lemon juice and lemon zest. Add spinach and simmer until spinach is slightly wilted.
  8. Serve soup with grated Parmesan and additional lemon juice if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1169mg | Potassium: 727mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 7848IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 2mg

Link to this recipe: https://www.healthyharvestni.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/

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