Panera Bread Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup [0000149]

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
1 cup gluten-free orzo pasta
4 cups gluten-free chicken broth
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 2 lemons
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the gluten-free orzo pasta to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.

Pour in the gluten-free chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo pasta is tender.

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pot.

Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serve your gluten-free Panera Bread Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy the bright and comforting flavors of this gluten-free Panera Bread Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup copycat!