Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks celery, chopped finely; 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts; 1 cup uncooked orzo; 2 tablespoons flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you are looking for a cozy, comforting bowl of goodness that brightens up any day, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant fresh vegetables, and bite-sized orzo pasta all simmered in a luscious lemon-infused broth. The tang from the lemon perfectly balances the savory depth of the chicken and herbs, creating a soup that’s irresistibly fresh and heartwarming. Whether you’re chasing away a chill or simply craving something wholesome, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a thick yellow liquid, likely a batter or sauce, sprinkled with black pepper. In the bowl, a woman's hand holding black tongs is dipping two pieces of pale pink raw chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, familiar ingredients is half the joy here. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, delightful textures, and bright color to make this soup truly shine.

Celery: Finely chopped celery adds a subtle crunch and fresh earthiness that forms the soup’s base.
Carrots: Peeled and finely chopped, carrots bring a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
Onion: Half a medium onion diced up contributes savory depth and aromatic warmth.
Butter: A tablespoon melts in for rich, creamy undertones and helps cook the vegetables evenly.
Olive oil: Balancing the butter, olive oil infuses a light fruity flavor and keeps the sauté silky.
Garlic: Three minced cloves add a punch of fragrant warmth that wakes up the whole soup.
Flour: Two tablespoons help thicken the broth just enough to coat every delicious spoonful.
Chicken broth: Six cups of good-quality broth are the heart of the soup, giving it savory body.
Italian seasoning: A quarter teaspoon infuses herbal notes like oregano and thyme, complementing the chicken.
Chicken breasts: One and a half pounds of uncooked chicken bring tender protein to every bite.
Orzo: One cup of small pasta pearls that cook up soft yet slightly chewy, adding texture.
Lemon juice: A tablespoon brightens the soup with zesty, fresh acidity.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled in, parsley adds a vibrant green color and fresh herbal zing.
Salt & pepper: To taste, these essentials balance and enhance all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables

Start by heating butter and olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Add finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and start to release their inviting aromas. This step builds the soup’s essential flavor foundation and fills your kitchen with a comforting scent.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in the minced garlic and cook it just for 30 seconds to release its punch without burning. Then sprinkle in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. This bit of flour is a magic touch, thickening the broth just enough to give the soup a silky texture without weighing it down.

Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth and Seasonings

Next, pour in the six cups of chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour evenly. Add the ¼ teaspoon of Italian seasoning and place the uncooked chicken breasts into the pot. Bring everything up to a boil—a bubbling invitation to savory depths waiting to develop.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This slow simmer cooks the chicken perfectly while melding all those wonderful flavors together into something downright irresistible.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

Stir in the cup of uncooked orzo and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still has a little bite. Keep the pot uncovered and stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom—trust me, your patience here makes all the difference.

Step 6: Shred Chicken and Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Remove the chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces or shred them using forks. Add the chicken back to the pot along with fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. The lemon juice is where the soup truly shines, offering that bright zing that awakens every ingredient. Serve this delicious bowl right away and enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

A large white pot filled with a warm chicken soup showing clear broth mixed with small pieces of white shredded chicken, orange carrot cubes, light green celery bits, and small white orzo pasta pieces evenly spread throughout. The soup has a glossy surface with tiny specks of black pepper and green herbs scattered on top. A metal ladle rests inside the pot on the right side, partially submerged, and the pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet delightful finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or even a light drizzle of olive oil on top. If you’re a fan of a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a surprising kick without overwhelming the soup’s fresh flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup is satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic toast. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the bright notes in the soup beautifully, making your meal feel complete and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family meal, serve the soup in rustic bowls with lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of citrus. Hosting friends? Try individual ramekins garnished with edible flowers or finely grated Parmesan for a bit of flair that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making leftovers even more satisfying.

Freezing

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe freezes well, but for best texture, freeze without the orzo and add fresh orzo when reheating. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and it can be kept frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. If frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before warming. Add fresh orzo during reheating and cook until tender. Finish with a little extra lemon juice or fresh parsley to revitalize the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using cooked chicken can save time. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking so it warms through without drying out.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and skip the chicken, or replace it with chickpeas or tofu for protein. The lemon and herbs keep it fresh and flavorful.

What can I substitute for orzo if I don’t have it on hand?

Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even small elbows work well as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times as needed since pasta sizes differ.

How tart should the lemon flavor be?

The lemon is meant to brighten but not overpower the soup. Start with one tablespoon of lemon juice and adjust to taste—some like it more lemony, others prefer subtle hints.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients except the orzo into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add orzo in the last 20-30 minutes. Add lemon juice and parsley at the end.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade soup that feels like it was crafted just for you, and this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Its bright lemon notes, tender chicken, and comforting orzo make it a go-to for any season. I can’t wait for you to whip up this recipe and savor every spoonful. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection as well.