Lemon Chicken Orzo Comfort Soup

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 30 min

THE PARTS:

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 large carrots, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

48 oz. chicken broth

1 lemon, quartered + 1 extra cut into wedges for serving

1.5 lb. chicken breasts

16 oz. water

1 chicken stock cube

3 oz. orzo pasta

2 tbsp. Fresh parsley, chopped

THE STEPS:

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until tender.

Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the chicken broth. Now add the lemon quarters, chicken breasts, water, and chicken stock cube. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in orzo pasta, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the soup and shred it with 2 forks, then return the chicken to the pot and stir through. Let simmer 5 additional minutes.

When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with parsley and serve with a wedge of lemon. Squeeze fresh lemon on top just prior to eating.

MEAL PREP TIPS:

Double the recipe! Store in an airtight containers for up to 6 days or freeze for later use.

THE MACROS:

macros are for 1 serving

• CALORIES - 316

• PROTEIN - 39g

• CARBS - 15g

• FATS - 9g

Orzo Chicken Comfort Soup is a cozy, savory dish featuring tender shredded chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables simmered in a bright, lemon-infused broth for a refreshing citrus tang that evokes classic comfort food with a zesty twist. Nutritionally, each serving provides approximately 322 calories, 31g of high-quality protein from lean chicken, balanced carbs from orzo and veggies for sustained energy, and essential vitamins like vitamin A from carrots, all while being dairy-free and suitable for meal prep.