Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lunch

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This bright, lemony chicken soup is inspired by Greek Avgolemono soup. This rendition is a quicker version made without the traditional egg-lemon mixture, opting for simple lemon juice and fresh spinach instead. Enjoy this aromatic soup as a hearty lunch or have a smaller portion as a starter to a Mediterranean-style entrée like Weeknight Fish En Papillote.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Print recipe
  • 6 Servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Calories: 359

Nutrition

Serving Size
469g

Servings
6

Calories
359

Carbohydrates
20g

Total Fat
9g

Protein
42g

Sodium
223mg

Fiber
5g

Ingredients

  • 11/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 ribs celery, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta, dry
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice (juice from approx. 3 lemons)
  • 11/2 cups spinach, raw
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • salt
  • black pepper

Directions

  • Step 1

    Heat pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add 1 teaspoon oil to pan. Once hot, add chicken to the pot. Stir with a wooden spoon to cook chicken evenly for about 3 to 4 minutes.

  • Step 2

    Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

  • Step 3

    Next, add the remaining oil to the pot; then add carrots, celery and garlic to the pot. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add thyme to the vegetables and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

  • Step 4

    Add chicken broth, water and bay leaves to the pot. Allow to simmer for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Step 5

    Turn heat to high and bring liquid to a boil. Once boiling, stir in orzo and chicken, reduce heat to medium-high and simmer until orzo is done, about 10 minutes.

  • Step 6

    Stir in lemon juice and spinach. Allow spinach to wilt. Remove from heat, serve and enjoy.

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