Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, a delightful blend of ground chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, all brought together with a zesty lemon finish. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a touch of spice and the savory taste of olives.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced olives (green or black)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and slice the olives.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add Garlic, Olives, and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, sliced olives, dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
7. Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your spicy and flavorful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with olives!