Comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup That Tastes Bright and Fresh
This lemon chicken orzo soup is cozy, light, and full of flavor with tender chicken, orzo pasta, herbs, and fresh lemon in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup dry orzo
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice more to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened.
- Add garlic, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf and cook until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and chicken thighs. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in orzo and simmer until the orzo is just tender.
- Turn heat to low and stir in salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Stir in spinach, parsley, and dill until the spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust lemon and salt, then serve warm.