Warm, soothing, and delightfully light, this Low Fat Chicken Orzo Soup is the ultimate comfort food for health-conscious eaters. Packed with tender bites of protein-rich chicken, vibrant fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of fragrant herbs like thyme and oregano, this hearty soup is both nourishing and satisfying. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors, while the addition of orzo pasta and fresh spinach makes each spoonful irresistibly wholesome. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this easy chicken soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal the whole family will love. Ideal for those seeking a healthy, low-fat dinner option, itβs a flavorful way to stay on track without sacrificing taste!
Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped yellow onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. SautΓ© for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, pouring in the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Season the soup with dried thyme, dried oregano, and add the bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
Stir in the orzo pasta and continue simmering the soup for an additional 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
Add the fresh spinach to the pot, stirring until it wilts into the soup.
Season the soup with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, adjusting to your taste preference.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your low-fat chicken orzo soup!
Calories |
1857 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.7 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 386 mg | 129% | |
| Sodium | 2281 mg | 99% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 191.3 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.3 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.0 g | ||
| Protein | 187.1 g | 374% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 296 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 15.8 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 2072 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.