Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Feel free to substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor, or swap fresh herbs for dried ones if that’s what you have on hand. The beauty of this soup lies in its flexibility—just like home cooking should be.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the orzo, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Continue to simmer until the orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice and spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the heartwarming goodness!
Remember, cooking is about adjusting to your taste. If you like your soup tangier, add more lemon juice. If you prefer more broth, add a splash of water or stock. It’s all about making it your own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, recipe, cooking, food
