Lemon Orzo and Chicken Soup (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken & Base
01 -
1 and 1/4 pounds of boneless, skin-free chicken breasts
02 -
2 tablespoons of olive oil
03 -
Seasoning blend with lemon and black pepper
→ Dried Seasonings
04 -
1 teaspoon of oregano (dried)
05 -
1 teaspoon of mustard powder
06 -
1 teaspoon of basil (dried)
07 -
1 teaspoon of parsley (dried)
08 -
1/2 teaspoon of dill weed (dried)
→ Soup Base
09 -
Half a cup of dry white wine
10 -
2 tablespoons of butter
11 -
A small yellow onion, diced
12 -
3/4 cup of diced carrot pieces
13 -
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
14 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
15 -
6 cups of chicken stock
→ Finishing Elements
16 -
A teaspoon of hot sauce
17 -
A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
18 -
1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
19 -
2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
20 -
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
21 -
The juice of 1 lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons)
22 -
3/4 cup of uncooked orzo pasta
# Instructions:
01 -
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with lemon pepper, then brown them in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until the outside is golden. Set aside and let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into pieces.
02 -
Pour white wine into the pan and let it bubble away for 4 minutes until it reduces by half. Toss in butter and chopped vegetables, stirring until softened.
03 -
Stir in seasonings, broth, and sauces. Let it heat up until it boils, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken back in to cook slowly.
04 -
Make the orzo on the side by boiling it in salty water according to the package instructions.
05 -
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then toss in spinach just until it wilts. Take the soup off the heat and squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
06 -
Scoop some cooked orzo into each bowl and ladle the finished soup over it.
# Notes:
01 -
Cook the pasta separately so it doesn’t soak up all the broth.
02 -
You can swap in 3 cups of already-cooked chicken if you’re short on time.
03 -
Hot sauce and Worcestershire are there for flavor—not heat!
04 -
Want a slow-cooker version? Cook it on low for about 6 hours.