I’m not sure what the deal is, but I’ve become pretty much obsessed with soup over the past two years. Before that, I couldn’t really handle it [except for tomato and potato], but now? Sign me just about anytime, anywhere. That’s why I don’t mind so much when we have spring cold spells, like we’ve had here in Indiana lately. I mean, it’s the end of April and it’s 50 degrees out and rainy. No fun… except that it just gives me one more excuse to make soup.
And this is my new favorite spring soup! It’s tangy yet creamy, filling yet light. It’s super simple to make, even with the long list of ingredients. Don’t let the inclusion of eggs in a soup scare you–they add a delightful rich, velvety layer of flavor. I used dried herbs and orzo–but use fresh herbs or another small pasta if you want. I can’t wait to make this in the summertime when my balcony herbs are flourishing! They’re still little baby nubs right now. 🙂
Don’t you just want a bowlful now? I sure do!
Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup [from Good Life Eats]
click to print
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small chunks
- freshly ground black pepper
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup white wine
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 2 – 3 large handfuls of fresh babyspinach, chopped [or combination of spinach and kale]
Directions:
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with black pepper, then add to hot pan. Pour in 2 tablespoons lemon juice; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each dried parsley and thyme. Turn to coat, then cook completely.
Meanwhile, heat remaining tablespoon olive oil in a stockpot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in white wine, chicken broth, carrots, and celery. Bring to a boil.
Whisk together egg yolks and 3 tablespoons lemon juice. In a slow, trickling stream, carefully pour in 1 cup of hot broth [from pot] to egg mixture, whisking while pouring. Transfer the mixture back to the pot. Add orzo and chicken.
Look delicious! I’m going through a huge soup phase right now so this is perfect 🙂
LikeLike
how fun! i have several others waiting to be posted. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow – that sounds perfect! It’s raining here….great soup weather!
LikeLike
yes it is! 🙂
LikeLike
This is one of my favorite soups but I’ve never made it at home! Yours looks so delicious, Sarah. Love your healthy additions of spinach and kale, too. Great choices!
LikeLike
This soup sounds wonderful!! I have noticed that I ate much less soup this year because of the lack of cold weather! I was never able to perfectly time making soup with the cold, rainy weather!
LikeLike
I’m not in a soup phase at the moment, but this is making me want to start one. Mmm!
LikeLike
Sarah – this soup looks fantastic! It’s cold and cloudy here today, so I’m craving some comforting soup. I love the lemon added in there too.
LikeLike
This looks delicious – and so comforting and warm and now I want to make some!
LikeLike
I have made a similar version of this too and it’s definitely a favorite in our house. Love these flavors!
LikeLike
I totally feel the same way about soup! I used to think it was a waste of stomach space but now I’ve seen the light to its awesomeness. This sounds so delicious! I’m really intrigued by the inclusion of eggs!
LikeLike
definitely try eggs in soup sometime. delightful! you could probably vegify this soup by leaving out the chicken & using tofu/chickpeas/etc.
LikeLike
interesting and unique flavor combo 🙂 thank you for linking up with successful saturdays!
LikeLike
oh yum, this sounds absolutely delightful. i’m a huuuuge soup fan – could seriously eat it every single day. will have to try this soon!
LikeLike