Bright and Zesty Chicken and Orzo Soup for Cozy Nights

This Chicken and Orzo Soup is a comforting dish packed with tender chicken and zesty lemon flavor.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Chicken

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs Main protein source
to taste salt Essential seasoning for flavor enhancement
to taste pepper Essential seasoning for flavor enhancement
2 medium leeks Washed and chopped, about 1 cup
3 medium carrots Washed, peeled, and diced into ¼'' pieces
2 whole celery stalks Diced into ¼’’ pieces
2 cloves garlic Minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard Adds a tangy depth to the soup
½ cup white wine Optional; can substitute with water
8 cups low-sodium chicken stock Key liquid enhancing taste

For the Pasta

⅔ cup whole wheat orzo pasta Or 1 cup other small pasta like Ditalini

For the Freshness

⅓ cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice About 2 lemons
1 tablespoon lemon zest Amplifies lemon flavor

For Serving

to taste fresh baby spinach Adds nutrition and color
to taste fresh dill Brightens the dish with herbal flavor
to taste Parmesan cheese Adds richness that pairs well

Equipment

large pot

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, brown for about 3 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.
Add leeks, carrots, and celery to the pot, sauté for about 5 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in Dijon mustard and white wine, deglaze the pot, and let it simmer for a minute.
Pour in chicken stock, add in the chicken, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Shred the chicken, return to soup, and add orzo. Cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente.
Stir in lemon juice and zest, adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve over baby spinach, garnish with dill and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

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