Refreshing and Nourishing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light and flavorful dish that brings a refreshing twist to classic chicken soup. Packed with tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and a hint of citrusy lemon, this soup is perfect for any season. It is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. The combination of fresh ingredients and zesty flavors makes this soup a crowd-pleaser, and it is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
6. Add the orzo pasta to the pot and cook it according to the package instructions, usually for about 8 minutes or until tender.
7. Stir in the shredded chicken, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

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