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Fresh Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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A bright and comforting lemon chicken orzo soup with fresh dill and spinach, perfect for a quick, healthy, and soul-soothing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170g)
  • Juice of 2 medium lemons
  • 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters), low-sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (about 10g)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed (about 120g), stems removed and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, splash of white wine

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through. Remove from pot and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Return chicken breasts to the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Skim any foam from the surface.
  4. Remove chicken from pot and shred finely using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  5. Add orzo to the simmering broth and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but still slightly firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in chopped spinach and dill. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts but remains vibrant green.
  7. Remove pot from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm. If reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup.

Notes

Avoid overcooking orzo to prevent mushiness. Use fresh dill for best flavor. Add lemon juice off heat to preserve brightness. Leftover cooked chicken can be used to save time. Add a pinch of sugar if soup is too lemony. Stir spinach gently to keep leaves intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, healthy soup, comfort food, quick dinner, fresh dill, spinach soup

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/fresh-lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe-easy-healthy-comfort-food/