03/11/2026
Soup of the month: Lemon Chicken orzo
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots (about 3 large)
1 1/2 cups chopped celery (about 3 stalks)
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
5 cloves garlic, minced
7 cups chicken broth
1 parmesan rind, plus shredded parmesan for serving
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp each dried basil, thyme and rosemary
1 cup (6 oz) dried orzo pasta
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
5 oz (5 packed cups) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1. Place the chicken on a cutting board, cover it with plastic wrap, and pound it evenly to about 1/2-inch thickness. Dab the chicken dry with paper towels, then season it with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil a large enameled cast iron pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear on both sides until browned, about 2 - 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving the oil in the pan.
3.Add carrots, celery, and onion and saute until nearly softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Move the veggies to the side, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.
4.Pour in chicken broth, add the Parmesan rind, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a simmer.
5.Add orzo, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 4-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (it should register 165 degrees in the center on an instant-read thermometer).
6.Remove the parmesan rind and the chicken and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let chicken rest 3 to 5 minutes, then cut into very small cubes, about the length of the orzo. Meanwhile, continue cooking the soup until the orzo is tender, for a few minutes longer.
7.Return chicken to the soup along with lemon juice, lemon zest, and spinach, and heat through. Serve warm with Parmesan cheese. Note that as the soup rests, the pasta will absorb the broth, so you can add a little more broth as desired.
