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; 2 tablespoons flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste); Salt & pepper (to taste); 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts; 1 cup uncooked orzo

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If you are searching for a comforting, bright, and nourishing meal, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Bursting with fresh flavors from garlic, lemon, and parsley, combined with tender chicken and hearty orzo pasta, this soup offers a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. It’s the perfect bowl to warm your soul on chilly days or to enjoy any time you crave something cozy yet vibrant. The beauty of this recipe lies in its wonderful balance of zingy lemon freshness and satisfying, wholesome ingredients that make every spoonful a joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a white pan on a white marbled surface with a thick orange-yellow sauce inside. Two pieces of light pink raw chicken are being held by black tongs, lowered into the sauce. The sauce has visible pepper flakes sprinkled on top, giving a speckled dark texture. The lighting is soft, showing the shine and texture of both the sauce and raw chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this soup plays a special role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the crisp carrots and celery adding delightful crunch, to the rich chicken broth that forms a comforting base, this recipe uses simple staples that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Celery (2 sticks, chopped finely): Provides a subtle, aromatic crunch that enhances the soup’s freshness.
Carrots (2 medium, peeled and chopped finely): Adds a gentle sweetness and vibrant color.
Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Brings a foundational savory depth to the broth.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Gives a rich, silky texture and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a bit of fruitiness and helps prevent the butter from burning.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with irresistible warmth and flavor.
Flour (2 tablespoons): Acts as a gentle thickener to give the broth a lovely body.
Chicken broth (6 cups): The hearty, savory base that carries all the flavors together.
Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle herbal notes without overpowering the soup.
Chicken breasts (1.5 pounds, uncooked): Tender, protein-packed pieces that make this soup heartier.
Orzo (1 cup, uncooked): Small pasta that cooks quickly and gives a lovely texture absorbent of flavors.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon or to taste): Brings a fresh popping brightness to awaken all the ingredients.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds inviting color and a fresh herbal finish.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor in the soup.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial as it allows the vegetables to mellow and release their natural sweetness, building the soup’s flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Sprinkle in the flour and continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly. The flour will help thicken your broth slightly, ensuring the soup has a lovely, comforting texture without being too heavy.

Step 3: Add Broth, Seasoning, and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to dissolve the flour. Add the Italian seasoning and the uncooked chicken breasts. Bring everything to a boil, which will jump-start the cooking of the chicken while infusing the broth with its rich flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. This gentle simmering gently cooks the chicken through and allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the uncooked orzo. Keep the lid off and simmer on medium-low, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender yet still holds its shape. This step is where the soup gains a wonderfully hearty and comforting body.

Step 6: Finish and Season

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and chop them into bite-sized pieces before returning them to the soup. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. The lemon juice adds a delightful brightness that balances the savory broth and chicken, making the soup irresistibly refreshing and satisfying.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

A large white pot filled with a light yellow soup that has small pieces of shredded white chicken, orange carrot bits, and small green herb pieces spread evenly throughout, with white orzo pasta floating in the broth; a silver ladle resting inside the pot scoops some soup, showing the texture and colors clearly, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup feel extra special, top it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a thin lemon wedge for that pop of color and flavor. A little drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top can add a beautiful sheen and smooth finish.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic toast for dipping. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the bright flavors in the soup, balancing heartiness and lightness in your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls or charming ramekins to enhance the cozy, homemade feel. For a fun twist, you could ladle portions into hollowed-out bread bowls, making it a delightful centerpiece at your next dinner gathering or family meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as the soup sits, but be sure to reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

Freezing

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe freezes well but keep in mind that orzo can become softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the cooked orzo, and add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add extra broth or water to loosen the soup to your preferred consistency, and check seasoning before serving as it may need a little extra lemon juice or salt.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, cooked or rotisserie chicken works great—just add it at the end after the orzo is cooked to heat through without drying out.

What can I substitute for orzo if I don’t have any?

You can use other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even small shells. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as some pastas cook faster or slower than orzo.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It holds up well in the fridge and can be frozen with the caveat of adding fresh orzo when reheating. It’s great for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the chicken, or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.

How can I make the soup more lemony?

For extra lemon flavor, increase the lemon juice to your taste or add a bit of lemon zest along with the parsley at the end. Fresh lemon really brightens up the soup wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like a bowl of homemade soup to lift your spirits and fill your belly with comfort and warmth. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a big hug in a bowl, pairing freshness and heartiness perfectly. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s easy, delicious, and perfect any time you need a little cozy magic in your kitchen.