Spring Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup 🍋🍗🥕

This vibrant and refreshing soup is the perfect way to welcome spring with open arms. Bursting with citrus flavor, hearty vegetables, and tender chicken, this delightful dish is both nourishing and satisfying. Serve it as a light lunch or a comforting dinner that can be enjoyed any day of the week!

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices
• Optional: A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
• Sprinkle in the dried thyme and oregano, mixing everything well to release the herbs' aromas.

🥄 For an extra flavor boost, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the shredded chicken and orzo, cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
• Remove the pot from heat and add the lemon juice and zest. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

🍋 Don’t skimp on the lemon juice! It really brightens the entire dish and adds a refreshing finish.

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. If desired, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with diced zucchini or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more greens like spinach or kale for added nutrients. 🥬
• Pasta lovers: Feel free to substitute the orzo with your favorite small pasta shape, like mini shells or ditalini. Adjust cooking time as needed!
• Herbaceous: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or basil in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Freeze it: Make a big batch and freeze portions for busy days. Just be mindful that the orzo may soak up some broth when reheated, so you might need to add a splash of water or broth!

No matter how you choose to make it, this Spring Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of spring! 🌷🍲