Copycat Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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I fell in love with this seasonal soup last summer while it was at that famous fancy sandwich shop, and I was determined to recreate it. It's an easy soup to make and it's been a huge favorite in our house ever since. I make it almost weekly. Don't tell that fancy sandwich shop, but I think this is actually better than theirs! Garnish with fresh lemon slices.

Submitted by shannonferger
Published on June 19, 2020
3
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 8 cups chicken broth

  • 2 cooked skinless, boneless chicken breasts

  • ½ (10 ounce) bag fresh spinach, roughly chopped

  • 6 baby carrots, diced into bite-sized pieces

  • 2 stalks chopped celery

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt (Optional)

  • ¼ cup lemon juice

Directions

  1. Combine chicken broth, chicken breasts, spinach, carrots, celery, orzo pasta, basil, oregano, pepper, and salt in a large stockpot over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables and pasta are tender, about 30 minutes.

  2. Add lemon juice in small amounts, stirring well and tasting after each addition to adjust flavor.

Cook's Note:

As a shortcut, purchase a rotisserie chicken and just pick the breasts off the chicken and toss into your stockpot. I've also gotten into the habit of roasting my own chickens and then draining the stock and drippings through a fine strainer and letting it set overnight. The next morning, just remove the top layer of fat and then use the rest of the stock for your soup base. It adds a delicious flavor to the soup!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

204 Calories
2g Fat
29g Carbs
16g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 204
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 3%
Cholesterol 33mg 11%
Sodium 1798mg 78%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 16g 32%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 44mg 3%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 308mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.