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LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP

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Quick Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Introduction

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, a delightful Greek-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a touch of zesty lemon. This soup is loaded with vegetables and cooked in a creamy chicken broth, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups cooked cubed chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables:
  • In a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 6-7 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low, then add minced garlic, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  1. Add Flour and Broth:
  • Increase heat to medium-low. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  1. Cook Orzo and Chicken:
  • Reduce heat to a simmer. Add orzo pasta and cooked chicken to the soup. Cook until the orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
  1. Add Lemon and Spinach:
  • Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
  1. Season and Serve:
  • Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  • Remove bay leaves from the soup.
  • Serve the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup hot, garnished with additional lemon slices if desired.
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Notes and Tips

  • Use any cooked chicken of your choice, such as rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, baked chicken breast, or thighs.
  • Be sure to remove bay leaves before serving as they can be stiff and sharp.
  • Orzo pasta can be found in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the best flavor to this soup.
  • For best results when storing leftovers, remove a portion of the soup before adding the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy upon reheating.
  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze in heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.04 g
  • Cholesterol: 48 mg
  • Sodium: 204 mg
  • Potassium: 803 mg
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Vitamin A: 6600 IU
  • Vitamin C: 19 mg
  • Calcium: 61 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg

Enjoy this comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

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