Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside. Reserve the broth.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente.
4. Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice.
5. Temper the Eggs: Slowly add a ladleful of hot broth to the egg-lemon mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Repeat with another ladleful of broth.
6. Combine and Finish: Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the soup is heated through but not boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Storage Methods

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the texture of the orzo may change upon reheating. For best results, freeze the soup without the orzo and add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as dill or mint for a unique flavor twist.

Benefits of Ingredients

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and has antioxidant properties.
• Orzo: Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall health.
• Eggs: High in protein and essential nutrients like choline, which is important for brain health.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats and antioxidants that support heart health.