Bistro Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup

“To feel safe and warm on a cold wet night, all you really need is soup.”  Laurie Colwin

Chicken Soup with a little Lemon and Orzo is perfect for any day …

The weather is starting to turn a bit chilly and nothing makes you feel better on a chilly & dreary day than a bowl of soup!  Well actually any day is a good day for a bowl of soup but somehow the cold weather just makes it so much more delicious!

And this soup is delicious!

Chopping up vegetables is a great way to unwind after a busy day.  Just let your mind relax for a few moments and enjoy the quiet while you chop away!  The lemon and wine in this soup makes a wonderful combination and one that you will definitely want to repeat.  You just may want to call your Grandmother and invite her for dinner.

Bistro Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup

3/4 lb. boneless chicken breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, chopped
3 carrots,  peeled and diced small
1 teaspoon dried thyme
32 oz. chicken broth
5 cups water
2 teaspoons chicken soup base
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup white wine
1 small zucchini, diced small (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 small yellow squash, diced small (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 small bunch fresh spinach, chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
juice of 1 lemon
salt & pepper to taste

In a medium soup pot,  sauté onions in olive oil until almost tender.  Add the carrots and cook about 2 minutes longer.  Salt and pepper the carrots while cooking.  Add the chicken broth, water, garlic, soup base and thyme to the pan.  Stir and bring to a light boil.  Add the chicken breasts to the pan and simmer on medium-low for about 10 minutes.  (Do not cut up the chicken.)

Remove chicken to your cutting board and let cool.  While chicken is cooling, add the wine, zucchini, yellow squash, spinach, orzo pasta and lemon juice to the soup pan with the broth.   Bring to a light boil and let cook for 12 minutes.  Chop the chicken into small pieces and add to the pan while cooking.  After you add the chicken, simmer the soup a little longer and squeeze in a little extra lemon juice.

*This soup gets really thick the longer you simmer.  If it gets too thick, add a little extra chicken broth.  Dice the veggies very small and to the same consistency.