Chicken Meatball and Orzo Soup

This soup has the most amazing broth!  Very comforting on a chilly day.  Those days are coming soon and I urge you to try this soup.  You won’t be disappointed.  Yum!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

For the chicken meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/3 cup Panko crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Panko, Parmesan, oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic powder.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Stir until well combined.  Roll mixture into 3/4-to-1-inch meatballs.  You should get around 25 to 30 meatballs.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.  Add meatball, in batches, and cook until all sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes.  Transfer to a paper towel lined plate; set aside.

Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the stockpot.  Add the garlic, onion, carrots and celery.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender. about 4-5 minutes.

Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.  Stir in orzo and meatballs;  reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.  Stir in lemon juice and parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Yield:  4 large servings.

“God-the Perfect Father-will never let us down, leave us, or stop loving us.”