Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo
Filling, fresh, and vibrant lemony chicken soup made creamy with NO CREAM and a secret ingredient! Recipe adapted from Cooking Light.
Filling, fresh, and vibrant lemony chicken soup made creamy with NO CREAM and a secret ingredient! Recipe adapted from Cooking Light.
- 3 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 carrots peeled and diced
- a handful of fresh spinach
- half of an onion diced
- 8-10 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup delallo whole wheat orzo
- 3-ish cups cooked chicken (i use shredded rotisse
- juice of 3-4 lemons (about 1/2 cup)
- lots of freshly ground pepper
- as much fresh dill as you can handle
- Carbohydrate 6.69307666666667 g
- Cholesterol 2.45 mg
- Fat 1.18774333357456 g
- Fiber 0.910916649738947 g
- Protein 2.47185 g
- Saturated Fat 0.426993333366642 g
- Serving Size 1 1 hearty servings (about 2 cups each) (95g)
- Sodium 85.8010833333382 mg
- Sugar 5.78216001692772 g
- Trans Fat 0.0685533333398657 g
- Calories 46 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
- Add the carrots, onion, and garlic. Saute until fragrant and tender, about 10 minutes. (Be careful not to burn the garlic.)
- Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Add the orzo and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Stir in the chicken and remove from heat.
- Whisk the eggs and lemon juice together in a small bowl.
- Slowly add a scoop of the soup into the egg mixture.
- Add your warmed egg mixture back to the soup pot - slowly, slowly, slowly, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy.
- Finish by stirring in your spinach, salt, pepper, and dill and adjust seasonings to taste!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: A Simple Comfort Food
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a monumental task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pickups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to keep everyone fed and happy. This is where simple, flavorful recipes become my lifesaver. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is one such recipe – it's quick, easy, and surprisingly satisfying. The vibrant lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the chicken and orzo, creating a symphony of tastes that even my picky eaters adore.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques – just wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. The secret to its creaminess? It's not cream at all! The gently cooked eggs create a luscious texture that rivals any cream-based soup, without adding unnecessary fat. I often find myself making a double batch – perfect for lunches throughout the week, or even freezing portions for those extra busy evenings when even the thought of cooking feels overwhelming.
This soup is more than just a meal; it's a moment of peace in the chaos. The aroma of simmering chicken broth, garlic, and lemon fills the kitchen, creating a comforting atmosphere that soothes even the most stressful days. My children love helping me chop the vegetables, feeling involved in the process and appreciating the meal even more. It's a small act, but it fosters a connection between food, family, and creating happy memories together.
The versatility of this recipe is another major plus. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – zucchini, bell peppers, or even some chopped mushrooms would add wonderful depth of flavor. If you're not a fan of dill, parsley or chives would be equally delicious substitutes. The amount of lemon juice can also be adjusted to your preference; for a bolder lemon flavor, add a bit more juice. This is truly your soup; customize it to match your tastes and your family's preferences.
Beyond the ease and flavor, this soup boasts a healthy profile. Packed with protein from the chicken and orzo, it provides a satisfying and nutritious meal without heavy reliance on processed ingredients or excessive fats. It’s a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, making it a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy without hesitation.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner that the whole family will love, I urge you to try this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. It's a recipe that's become a staple in my kitchen, and I'm confident it will find a cherished place in yours as well. This isn’t just a recipe; it's a little taste of comfort, joy, and connection – things we all need a little more of in our busy lives. Enjoy!
