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To make a delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, you need some fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well) - 1 cup orzo pasta - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups fresh spinach - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the soup. The olive oil adds a rich base, while the onion, carrots, and celery provide sweetness and crunch. Garlic gives it an aromatic boost. Chicken broth is essential for depth, and cooked chicken adds protein. Orzo pasta brings heartiness, while lemon brightens the dish with zest and juice. Dried herbs like thyme and oregano enhance flavor, and fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Finally, salt, pepper, and parsley give that final touch. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a warm and tasty meal! 1. Heating the olive oil Start by taking a large pot. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This makes the pot ready for the veggies. 2. Sautéing vegetables Add the diced onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté them for about five minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and their flavors to mix. 3. Adding garlic Next, stir in three minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute. The garlic will smell great and add depth to the soup. 1. Boiling the broth Pour in six cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your soup. 2. Incorporating chicken and orzo Once boiling, add two cups of shredded chicken and one cup of orzo pasta. Sprinkle in one teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and let it simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the orzo is tender. 3. Seasoning the mixture Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste. 1. Adding lemon and spinach Stir in the zest and juice of one large lemon. Then, add two cups of fresh spinach. Cook for two to three minutes. The spinach will wilt and the lemon will brighten the flavor. 2. Adjusting seasoning After adding the spinach, taste the soup again. Adjust the seasoning as you like. A bit more lemon juice can really lift the dish. 3. Serving the soup Serve the soup hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal! Fresh herbs make a big difference in taste. I love using parsley for its bright notes. Add it right before serving for the best flavor. Lemon juice balances the soup’s taste. It adds brightness and a fun zing. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. A little extra lemon juice can really lift the dish. Cooking orzo correctly is key. It cooks quickly, so watch it closely. Add it to the soup only for the last 10-12 minutes. This keeps it firm and not mushy. Using rotisserie chicken saves time. It adds great flavor and cuts down on prep. Just shred the chicken and toss it in. This makes the soup hearty without much fuss. Pair the soup with crusty bread. A good slice can soak up all the flavors. I also like to serve it with a salad for a full meal. For garnishing, fresh parsley adds a nice touch. You can also sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top. It makes the soup look great and adds more flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your diet. For a gluten-free option, try using rice or quinoa instead of orzo. Both add a nice texture and flavor without gluten. If you want to swap the chicken, turkey works well. For a plant-based choice, use tofu. It will soak up all the great flavors in the soup. Adding different veggies can make your soup unique. Try zucchini or kale for a fresh twist. Both add color and nutrients. You can also play with spices. Cumin gives a warm flavor, while paprika adds a smoky touch. Don’t be afraid to mix and match until you find your favorite combo. Want a creamier soup? Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream. This makes every spoonful rich and smooth. If you prefer a soupier dish, simply add more broth. This will give you a lighter, brothier meal that is perfect for any day. Adjust these elements to suit your taste! To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the soup fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you reheat, heat it gently on the stove. Stir it often to ensure even warmth. You can also use a microwave, but stir halfway through to avoid hot spots. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup may expand. Freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, move the container to the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to mix in any separated ingredients. Enjoy your soup as if it were freshly made! Can I use different pasta instead of orzo? Yes, you can use other small pasta types. Try ditalini or tiny shells. Just adjust cooking time as needed. How long does Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup last in the fridge? This soup can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance. Just reheat gently before serving. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, it's great for meal prep. Just portion it out for easy lunches or dinners. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and cooking tips. You learned about flavor boosts and variations to suit your tastes. Remember, fresh herbs and a good balance of acidity make a big difference. Store leftovers correctly to enjoy this meal later. With this knowledge, you’re ready to create a cozy, hearty soup at home. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Brighten up your meal with this delicious Lively Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup! This easy recipe combines savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon for a refreshing and hearty dish. Perfect for any night of the week, this flavorful soup is ready in just 30 minutes. Get the full recipe and enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s packed with nutrients. Click through to explore how to make this delightful soup today!
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)

1 cup orzo pasta

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups fresh spinach

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

        Once boiling, add the shredded chicken, orzo pasta, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.

          Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then add the fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

            Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6