Winter Chicken and Orzo Soup

Chicken-Orzo-1This morning I didn’t want to get out of bed. I wanted to stay where it was warm! I managed to drag myself out of bed and head to the kitchen. I got some hot tea going and walked outside to get the newspaper. There was frost on the ground, the trees, and all the plants in our garden. It was beautiful! Swirls of frost decorated our lawn as if Jack Frost himself danced across and made it winter white. Unfortunately, this natural phenomenon symbolizes the beginning of winter weather or weather below freezing. With winter weather closing in, soups seem to be the best bet for satisfying the entire family. It’s warm, fills the tummy, and is mostly, nutritious and low cal. I often make soup because it’s easy to share. If my 88 year old grandmother needs dinner or a friend is ill and needs a meal, I can send a cup of soup their way!  I hope this recipe brings you, your family, and friends the warmth and comfort of home during the winter season.

Chicken-Orzo-2Winter Chicken and Orzo Soup
Perfect for curing the weather changing blues!

Ingredients:
  • 1 3-4 lb chicken, seasoned
  • 1 vidalia onion, sliced
  • 2 stalks of celery, diced-1lb red potatoes, cubed
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 pint mushrooms
  • 1 Tbsp dried oregano
  • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley (I like alot, but you can use less.)
  • 1 cup Chardonnay
  • 1 qt chicken stock
  • 1 qt water
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 Tbsp sea salt
  • 1 Tbsp ground red pepper
Directions:
In a baking dish greased with olive oil, bake chicken in a 350 degree F oven for 60 minutes. Set side.In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil and begin sauteing onions and celery. Once onions have carmelized or turned golden brown, add oregano and parsley. Combine and if desired, transfer to a crock pot. Add 1/2 cup Chardonnay, 1 qt chicken stock, and 1 qt water. Add potatoes and carrots and bring to a boil over medium heat. If you are using a crockpot, cook on high for 1 hour, then turn it to low for the remaining cook time. Add pasta and continue cooking on low until orzo pasta is tender. Add chicken, mushrooms, and the other 1/2 cup of Chardonnay to soup mixture. Season with salt and ground red pepper. Serve immediately or let cool and store in air tight containers for up to three days. This soup also freezes well and can be stored in a freezer for up to 3 months.

Chicken-Orzo-3

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