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Fresh Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup with Spinach

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A comforting and refreshing Greek-inspired soup featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and bright lemon juice. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta (about 130 grams)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 120 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons, 60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the pot and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through but not browned.
  4. Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth and sprinkle the dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Add the orzo pasta to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender but still has a slight bite.
  6. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted and vibrant green.
  7. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to preserve its bright, fresh flavor.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley on top if desired.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or a simple salad.

Notes

Add lemon juice off heat to preserve brightness and avoid bitterness. Keep a close eye on orzo cooking time to prevent mushiness. For leftovers, store spinach separately and add fresh when reheating. Soup freezes well without spinach; add fresh spinach after thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, spinach soup, lemon chicken soup, Mediterranean soup, easy chicken soup, healthy soup, quick soup recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/fresh-greek-lemon-chicken-and-orzo-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-spinach-soup/