Creating Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is simple if you adhere to these steps:

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Chicken: Add the chicken breast and sauté until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Cook Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot, increasing the heat to bring it to a simmer.
6. Add Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until fully cooked.
7. Add Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
8. Finish with Lemon: Once the orzo is tender, stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, adding flavor and brightness to the soup.
9. Add Spinach: If desired, add the baby spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.
10. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
11. Shred Chicken: If you prefer shredded chicken, remove the breast, shred it, and return it to the soup.
12. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

By carefully following these steps, you’ll create a delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup that is sure to please anyone at your table.