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Lemon Chicken and Spinach Soup

Bright lemon, tender chicken, and fresh spinach make this soup feel comforting yet refreshing. The small amount of orzo adds just enough heartiness.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: dinner, lunch, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup dry orzo
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a soup pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  2. Stir in the garlic, then add the chicken breast, broth, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
  4. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and set it aside briefly.
  5. Add the orzo to the broth and cook according to its package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, add the spinach, and cook for another 2 minutes until the leaves wilt.
  7. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and parsley, then taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.