Kale has been described as “the world’s healthiest food”.  I can’t confirm that is, but it certainly makes you feel good when you eat it.  It feels like you’re giving your body the nourishment its needs to get you through the day.  My chicken and kale soup will certainly do that – fat free, delicious and nutritious!

Kale_Chicken_Orzo_Soup 

Chicken and Kale Soup

Delicious and nutritious!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Author: Viella

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts approx. 6 oz each
  • Tsp salt
  • Tsp pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

Stock for soup

  • 6 celery stalks
  • 1 1/2 cups parsley
  • 2 red onions
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 tbsp chicken bouillon
  • 4 pints water
  • 2 cups orzo
  • 6 kale leaves

Instructions

Chicken

  • Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and garlic (grated or minced)
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet and braise chicken pieces for a couple of minutes each side to brown
  • Once chicken breasts are brown, place in roaster and cover and place in oven on 430 for 15-20 mins. Foil will do if your roasting pan has no cover.

Stock for soup

  • Cut celery into 1 inch pieces
  • Finely chop parsley
  • Cut onions in quarters
  • Cut carrots into 1 inch pieces
  • Pour water into large pan, add stock veggies and herbs
  • Add chicken bouillon once fluid begins to heat and then bring to boil
  • Cover pan, lower heat to simmer and cook for 20 minutes
  • Check on chicken and remove from oven
  • Pierce with a fork, if clear chicken juices are released chicken is fully cooked. Set aside until stock is ready
  • Taste test stock, you should be able to taste all of the stock ingredients.
  • Once stock ingredients are soft and their flavor released, separate stock using a colander.
  • Discard, veggies and herbs and return stock to heat
  • Wash orzo to release some of the starch and then add to stock
  • Cut kale into 1 inch pieces and add to stock.
  • Cover and let simmer for approx. 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through to your desired consistency
  • Your soup is ready to plate, season with salt and pepper as desired
  • Cut baked chicken breasts into hearty strips
  • Serve soup in bowls and top with sliced chicken breast