Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light yet comforting dish that combines tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful, aromatic broth. The bright, zesty kick of lemon adds a refreshing twist, perfectly balancing the savory richness of the chicken and vegetables.

With the added warmth of herbs like thyme, parsley, and sage, this soup is the ultimate cozy meal for any time of year. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, it’s sure to satisfy both the body and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bright, Refreshing Flavor: The zing of fresh lemon juice brings a burst of brightness that elevates the whole dish, balancing the savory flavors of the chicken and broth. It’s a soup that feels both comforting and refreshing.

Hearty and Filling: With tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and plenty of vegetables, this soup is satisfying enough to be a complete meal. The orzo adds a nice, chewy texture, making it feel more substantial than your average soup.

Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with lean chicken, fresh veggies, and optional spinach, this soup is full of nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy a lighter, wholesome meal that still feels indulgent.

Easy and Quick to Make: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are easy to follow.

Customizable: Whether you prefer chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken, this recipe is versatile. You can also add more veggies, use different herbs, or toss in extra greens like kale for added flavor and nutrition.

One-Pot Wonder: The beauty of this soup is that it’s all made in one pot, minimizing cleanup and simplifying the cooking process. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance meal that still delivers big on flavor.

Feel-Good Meal: It’s the kind of soup that not only fills you up but also leaves you feeling good. The warm, comforting broth combined with the healthy ingredients makes it a perfect choice for boosting your mood and energy.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken: Tender, cooked chicken breasts (or thighs or rotisserie) provide a rich, savory base for the soup.

Orzo Pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that adds a satisfying bite and texture to the soup.

Carrots, Celery, and Onion: Classic soup vegetables that bring depth of flavor and sweetness to the broth.

Garlic: Adds aromatic, savory depth to the soup’s flavor profile.

Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, infusing it with rich, comforting taste.

Lemon Juice: Brightens the soup with a tangy, refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the broth and chicken.

Herbs: Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, and sage contribute warmth and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor.

Spinach (optional): Adds extra nutrients and a pop of color for a healthier, more vibrant soup.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

For the sauté:

3 sticks celery, finely chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

To thicken:

2 tablespoons flour

For the broth:

6 cups chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Onion powder and thyme to taste

For the soup:

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage (optional)

Salt & pepper, to taste

Add-ins:

1.5 pounds cooked chicken breasts (or thighs, or rotisserie chicken)

Fresh spinach (optional)

To serve:

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Make the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to help the flour thicken.

Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the Italian seasoning, onion powder, thyme, and salt & pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

Add the Orzo: Bring the soup to a boil, then add the uncooked orzo pasta. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes or until the orzo is cooked al dente.

Add Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the cooked chicken, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Add the fresh spinach, if using, and cook until wilted.

Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Add the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and sage. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup!

Notes:

Chicken Options: You can use any cooked chicken for this recipe—grilled, roasted, or even rotisserie chicken works great. If you prefer, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs from scratch in the soup itself for added flavor.

Orzo Substitutes: If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even rice. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.

Broth Options: While chicken broth is ideal for this soup, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version. For extra flavor, try low-sodium broth to control the salt levels in your soup.

Adjusting Lemon Flavor: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted to taste. If you love a tangy soup, add more; if you prefer a more subtle citrus flavor, use less. Fresh lemon zest can also be added for extra lemony brightness.

Herbs and Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can replace or complement the Italian seasoning and sage. Fresh herbs will give the soup a more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be used if that’s what you have on hand.

Spinach and Other Greens: Fresh spinach is optional but adds great flavor and nutrients. If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute with other leafy greens like kale or arugula. You can also skip the greens entirely if you prefer a simpler soup.

Make-Ahead Tips: This soup is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, and it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth since the orzo absorbs liquid over time.

Serving Suggestions: This soup is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and creaminess.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes, such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even small shell pasta.

Keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta you choose, so be sure to check for doneness and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great option for this soup, as it adds extra flavor and saves time.

Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup once the broth and orzo are cooked. It’s a quick and easy way to make this soup even faster!

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen over time.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just be aware that the orzo will absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

Can I make this soup without spinach or other greens?

Yes, you can definitely omit the spinach if you prefer.

The soup will still be delicious without it.

If you’d like to add more veggies, you can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale, or even zucchini or peas for some variety.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta.

There are many gluten-free pasta options available in stores, such as rice pasta or quinoa pasta.

Be sure to check the package for cooking instructions, as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, just add a little extra chicken broth if needed, as the orzo will absorb some of the liquid over time.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, though the orzo may become a bit softer after freezing.

Can I skip the flour to thicken the soup?

Yes, you can skip the flour if you prefer a lighter broth.

The flour helps thicken the soup slightly, but it’s not essential for flavor.

If you want a thicker soup without flour, you can let it simmer longer, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) towards the end of cooking.

How can I make the soup creamier?

To make the soup creamier, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.

Alternatively, you could add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and added tang.

Just be sure to stir it in gently so it doesn’t curdle.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, like thighs or breasts, but you’ll need to cook it longer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

After cooking, remove the bones and shred the meat before adding it back into the soup.

If you’re using bone-in chicken, it may add extra flavor to the broth as it simmers.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs like parsley or sage?

If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead.

Generally, 1 teaspoon of dried herbs is equivalent to 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.

You can substitute dried parsley and sage for the fresh herbs, or adjust the seasoning with a little extra thyme or Italian seasoning for a more robust flavor.

Just add them while simmering the broth so the flavors can fully infuse.