Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a cozy, refreshing, and protein-rich bowl that balances tender shredded chicken, silky orzo pasta, and zesty lemon in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or any time you’re craving homemade comfort food with a bright twist, this soup is nourishing, hearty, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Optional garnish: lemon slices, extra herbs
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build broth: Pour in chicken broth, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook orzo: Add uncooked orzo and simmer 8–10 minutes until al dente.
- Add chicken and lemon: Stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Season: Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish: Stir in parsley or dill just before serving. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Do not overcook the orzo—it will continue softening in the broth.
- Add herbs at the end to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Shred chicken finely so it distributes evenly throughout the soup.
- Use high-quality broth for a richer base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Chicken Soup Recipes with Orzo, Homemade Chicken Orzo Soup, Bright Mediterranean Soups, Cozy Comfort Soup