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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a creamy, comforting soup loaded with tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and bright lemon flavor. It’s hearty enough for cold weather but refreshing enough for any season. With rich herbs, a creamy broth, and zesty citrus, this soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meals, or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with lemon pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp dried dill
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup cooked orzo pasta
  • Optional: Parmesan rind

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with lemon pepper. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Deglaze the pot with white wine or chicken broth. Add butter, onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  3. Add hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, oregano, basil, parsley, dill, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Return chicken to the pot and simmer until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove, shred, and return to the pot.
  5. Reduce heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Let spinach wilt. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
  6. Place cooked orzo in serving bowls. Ladle soup over orzo. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
  • Add veggies like zucchini or peas for variety.
  • Make it dairy-free by omitting cream and cheese.
  • Spice it up with extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
  • Vegetarian? Use vegetable broth and beans instead of chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/