Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Green Healthy Cooking

The Perfect Comfort Food: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

When the weather gets chilly, nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of homemade soup. If you’re looking for a soup that’s healthy, delicious, and easy to make, look no further than lemon chicken orzo soup. This simple recipe combines classic flavors like chicken, garlic, onion, and dill with a zesty kick of lemon to make a soup that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. What’s more, it’s a great way to get plenty of vegetables into your diet, as it includes carrots, celery, and spinach.

What Is Orzo?

Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like a large grain of rice. It is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine but is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. Orzo is high in carbohydrates and is a good source of protein, iron, and fiber. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture, making it a great addition to soups, salads, and casseroles.

Health Benefits of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This delicious soup is packed with nutrients that will benefit your health. The chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The vegetables provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. The orzo is a good source of carbohydrates, which will give you energy. And the lemon juice adds a zing of flavor and provides a boost of vitamin C.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This lemon chicken orzo soup is easy to make, and you don’t need any special kitchen gadgets or equipment. All you need is a pot, a few basic ingredients, and about 45 minutes of your time. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

To make the soup, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken, onion, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the onion is softened, about 8 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo, carrots, celery, dill, salt, and pepper and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, about 15 minutes.

Once the orzo is cooked, add the spinach and lemon juice and simmer until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. Serve the soup hot, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

Green Healthy Cooking Tips

This lemon chicken orzo soup is a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. For an even healthier version, you can use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of salt added to the soup. If you’d like to add more vegetables to the soup, try adding some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. And if you’d like to make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.

The next time you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of soup, try this simple yet flavorful lemon chicken orzo soup. It’s easy to make and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy!