Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and delicate orzo in a creamy, zesty broth. This comforting soup is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With the refreshing brightness of fresh lemon juice and a medley of flavorful herbs, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or serve on chilly nights when you crave something hearty yet light. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciously satisfying soup!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, basil, parsley, mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- ¾ cup carrots (diced)
- 2 sticks celery (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Juice of 1 lemon (3–4 Tbsp.)
- ¾ cup orzo (uncooked)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with lemon pepper and sear until golden (3-4 minutes per side). Remove and dice.
- Deglaze the pot with white grape juice and simmer until reduced by half. Add butter, onion, carrots, and celery; soften for 5 minutes.
- Stir in seasonings, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and return diced chicken to the pot; simmer until cooked through.
- Boil orzo separately according to package instructions.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the soup until well combined.
- Fold in fresh spinach until wilted; add lemon juice to taste.
- Serve hot with cooked orzo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg