Description
This Detox Chicken Soup is a nourishing, immune-boosting bowl of comfort made with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty touch of lemon—perfect for a light, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 ribs celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
16 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
8 cups chicken stock
2 bay leaves
½ cup orzo pasta
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil, then stir in onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add garlic and mushrooms, cook until tender and browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in thyme and oregano, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken stock and add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then add orzo, rosemary, and the cooked chicken. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in kale and cannellini beans. Cook 3–4 minutes until kale wilts.
- Remove from heat. Add lemon juice and parsley. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
Swap orzo with brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta for variation.
Use spinach instead of kale if preferred.
Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell pepper.
For vegetarian version, omit chicken and use vegetable broth and chickpeas.
Freeze without orzo and add it fresh when reheating for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
