Copycat Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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I fell in love with this seasonal soup at a famous sandwich shop last summer and was determined to recreate it. This copycat lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is easy to make and has become a household favorite — I make it almost weekly. Don't tell that fancy shop, but I think my version is better! Garnish with fresh lemon slices.

Chicken soup with lemon slices and orzo
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
6
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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 salt (Optional)

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. Combine chicken broth, chicken breasts, spinach, carrots, celery, orzo pasta, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper 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, remove the breast, and toss it into your stockpot. I've also gotten into the habit of roasting my own chicken, then draining the stock and drippings through a fine strainer and letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the top layer of fat the next morning, and use the stock for your soup base.

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.

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