Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

I LOVE SOUP!

Do you love soup too?

I mean I REALLY love soup and order it even when it's 108 degrees outside in the middle of summer.

There is something very comforting to the body and soul when you eat a bowl of soup. It's like pulling up a warm and toasty blanket on a cold night.

So with my love of soup in the forefront of my mind, I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting recipes.

I found this recipe over at Damn Delicious and knew I had to give it a try.

I was so happy with the results of this soup and the added lemon really does brighten the flavor.  I will be making this again and again and you need to give it a try too.

This is perfect for those cold winter days or nights and perfect for taking in a thermos to work or school.

Here's what you need.

3-4 Tbs. canola oil
4 chicken thighs, boneless & skinless, diced into 1 - 1-1/2 inch pieces
1 yellow onion, diced
3 - 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, grated on a microplane
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1ea. 4 - 6 inch piece of fresh rosemary
3/4 cup orzo
1 Tbs. chicken bouillon (optional)
4 cups chicken stock (I always use reduced sodium, or homemade)
1 cup water
2 Tbs. fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper chicken on both sides then dice the chicken into 1 - 1-1/2 inch pieces.  Heat 2 Tbs. oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven and cook the chicken until golden then remove to a plate.

 

Heat another 2 Tbs. oil and add the celery, carrots, and onion.  Cook 4 to 5 minutes until almost tender then add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Add the chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme, water, chicken bouillon (if using) and bring to a boil.

 

Reduce to a simmer and add the orzo, rosemary, and chicken back in and simmer for about 12 minutes or until all the veggies are tender and the orzo is cooked.  Add the lemon juice and stir.  You may season with salt and pepper if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.

Serve immediately with sliced bread.  Mmmm mmm delicious!

Enjoy!

Serves 8

Here's the handy printable - Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup