Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken and orzo pasta, infused with the tangy taste of fresh lemon. The addition of carrots, onions, and celery enhances the dish's texture and nutritional value.

👉🏻Ingredients list⚠️

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced

• 8 cups chicken broth or stock

• Zest of 2 lemons

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 1 bay leaf

• 8 ounces (about 1.5 cups) orzo pasta

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

• Salt and pepper, to taste

👉🏻✨DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Stir in the shredded chicken and orzo pasta. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.

4. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

👉🏻✨TIPS

• Adjust the lemon's tanginess according to personal preference.

• The orzo pasta can be cooked separately and added to the soup, but this may affect the soup's consistency.

• For a richer flavor, blend some of the vegetables and broth until smooth and return to the pot.

👉🏻✨BENEFITS

• This soup is perfect for providing warmth on cold winter days or bringing a refreshing lemon flavor during spring. It is also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals to nourish the body.

👉🏻✨NUTRITIONAL

• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup boasts high-quality protein sources like shredded chicken and offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as beta-carotene from carrots and vitamin C from lemons. The orzo pasta serves as a carbohydrate source, providing energy. Additionally, this soup is rich in antioxidants, which help boost immunity and promote overall health.