Get ready for a zesty flavor explosion! Our Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup not only bursts with vibrant tastes but is also brimming with wholesome ingredients. And guess what? With a couple of quick tricks, you'll be slurping it up in under 30 minutes!
MIREPOIX: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add diced onion, celery, & carrots. Cook until veggies are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, for about 7-9 minutes (reduce heat if veggies are browning too quickly). Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
SEASON: Add the seasonings and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf if using. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta. Cook according to package directions, subtracting 2 minutes from the recommended cooking time.
CHICKEN/SPINACH: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and then the spinach. Gently stir to warm through the chicken and allow the spinach to wilt, about 1-3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Season to taste if any additional salt or pepper is needed.
SERVE: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish, if desired, with fresh thyme. Add optional Parmesan cheese to individual bowls. Serve with crusty bread.
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Notes
Note 1: Mirepoix: Grab a pre-chopped mirepoix blend from the store’s produce aisle or process the veggies in a food processor for a quick dice. You'll need about 1/2 a large onion, 3-4 stalks of celery, and 3 carrots.Note 2:Leftovers: Keep in mind that since we cook the orzo in this soup, it will continue to absorb the liquid. This soup is best eaten the same day it's made.Note 3:Rotisserie chicken: If available, choose a lemon herb seasoned rotisserie chicken for extra lemon and herb flavor.Note 4:Lemon: Add lemon juice and zest gradually according to your personal taste preferences. This recipe is written the way we love it, but you may prefer slightly less or slightly more lemon. If you're a big lemon fan, consider using lemon herb seasoning (e.g., Mrs. Dash) or lemon pepper instead of regular pepper in the soup.