Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

Every trip to Costco results in a rotisserie chicken because they are so delicious and so inexpensive. Not only do you have the wonderful chicken meat to use in recipes but I always make homemade chicken broth from the carcass. 

Last night it felt a little chilly in L.A. so I decided to make a warm soup for dinner.  I also needed to use a bunch of veggies in the refrigerator and voila Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup was born. 

This recipe is easily adaptable and you could pretty much use any ingredients you have handy. 



Serves 4 

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 small carrots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• Chicken meat, chopped 
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• zest of 1 small lemon
• 4 cups chicken broth 
• 1-2 cups cooked orzo or rice
• fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts) 

1. In a large saucepan, add olive oil, onion and carrots.  Saute about 8 minutes or until onion starts to turn translucent.  Add salt and pepper to taste. 
2. Add chicken meat, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth and bring to simmer.  Simmer about 5-10 minutes and then add the cooked orzo, parsley and green onions. 
3. Season again with salt and pepper, if necessary and serve.