Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon flavors into a creamy, delightful bowl of goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this soup is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. In just 40 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables makes every spoonful satisfying and delicious, while the bright lemon juice adds a refreshing twist. This recipe is easy to make ahead and stores beautifully, ensuring you always have a nourishing meal ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, basil, parsley, mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ cup dry white grape juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- ¾ cup carrots (diced)
- 2 sticks celery (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Juice of 1 lemon (3–4 Tbsp.)
- ¾ cup orzo (uncooked)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, pour in white grape juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half.
- Add butter, diced onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until soft.
- Stir in seasonings, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth; bring to a boil before reducing to simmer.
- Return seared chicken to the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook orzo separately in salted water until al dente; drain.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Add fresh spinach and lemon juice; stir until spinach wilts.
- Serve by ladling cooked orzo into bowls and topping with soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg