If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is just the ticket. Imagine tender chicken, bright lemon, and delicate orzo pasta all swimming together in a savory broth that’s both refreshing and incredibly satisfying. This soup balances hearty and light flavors perfectly, making it a go-to for any day you want to feel cozy but not weighed down. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner or soothing lunch option.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is chosen thoughtfully for how it layers flavors and adds texture while keeping things simple. The combination of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and bright lemon juice creates a harmony that is easy to achieve at home.

Olive oil: Adds a rich base for sautéing and boosts flavor without overpowering.
Small onion, finely diced: Offers sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
Diced carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a splash of cheerful color.
Diced celery: Adds a subtle crunch and essential aromatic freshness.
Minced garlic: Infuses a bold, savory punch that wakes up the broth.
Chicken broth: The heart of the soup providing a savory, comforting base.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that cooks right in the soup.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Deliver an earthy, slightly floral note that elevates flavor.
Dried bay leaf: Adds a subtle background warmth and complexity.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Ground black pepper: Offers a gentle heat and depth.
Orzo pasta: Small pasta that cooks quickly and provides delightful texture.
Lemon juice: Brightens the whole soup with fresh, tangy zing.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Stir everything gently and let these veggies soften, releasing their natural sweetness and fragrances — this builds a flavorful base you’ll taste in every spoonful.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Now it’s time to bring in the chicken broth and chicken breasts, along with fresh thyme sprigs, a bay leaf, kosher salt, and black pepper. Turn the heat up to high until the soup comes to a boil, allowing these ingredients to meld as the chicken gently poaches.

Step 3: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked through to 165°F. This slow simmering helps infuse all the flavors, resulting in a rich yet clean broth.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Orzo

Carefully remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks — this shredded chicken will be tender, juicy, and ready to soak up the soup’s brightness. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the dry orzo pasta.

Step 5: Cook Orzo

Let the soup simmer for about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. This step is key because the tiny pasta holds the soup’s warming qualities, giving you that satisfying bite that makes this recipe a standout.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice

Right before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice. This final touch lifts the whole dish with a burst of brightness and a little zing that perfectly balances the savory broth and tender chicken. Don’t forget to remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf to keep the soup smooth and pleasant in texture.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil makes the soup feel vibrant and fresh. For a little extra warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders, and a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a silky finish that makes every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides keep the meal balanced and let the soup shine as the star of the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in beautiful bowls and sprinkle some lemon zest on top for a pop of color and extra citrus aroma. For entertaining, offer little bowls with toppings like grated Parmesan or toasted pine nuts to add personalized texture and flavor boosts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days while still tasting delicious and comforting.

Freezing

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe freezes well, but since orzo can become mushy, you might prefer to freeze the soup without the orzo and add it fresh when reheating. This keeps the texture just right.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze the soup without orzo, add the pasta during reheating and cook until tender. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving always brightens leftovers wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves cooking time. Just add it shredded once the broth is ready.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Traditional orzo contains gluten, but you can swap it out for gluten-free pasta or rice to make the soup suitable for gluten-free diets without compromising taste.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can! Replace chicken and chicken broth with vegetable broth and add chickpeas or tofu for protein – fresh thyme and lemon juice will still provide that bright flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works in a pinch; use about one-third of the amount fresh thyme calls for. Fresh herbs, though, really boost the freshness of this recipe.

How can I make this soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. It won’t overpower the bright lemon; instead, it’ll add a luscious mouthfeel.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those rare dishes that feels like both hearty comfort food and refreshing nourishment. Its simplicity is what makes it so spectacular — easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many kitchens, including mine!

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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4 from 46 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A comforting and bright Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and zingy lemon juice, simmered to perfection with orzo pasta. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a hearty meal that balances savory flavors with a refreshing citrus twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
3 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Base and Protein

8 cups chicken broth
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 dried bay leaf
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Pasta and Flavoring

1 cup orzo pasta
1 lemon, juiced

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the finely diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Chicken and Broth: Increase the heat to high, then pour in the chicken broth. Add the raw chicken breasts, fresh thyme sprigs, dried bay leaf, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Simmer: Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Shred Chicken and Add Orzo: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot onto a plate and shred them using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the soup along with the dry orzo pasta.
Cook Orzo: Continue cooking the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo pasta is tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente), about 10 minutes.
Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Before serving, remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Stir occasionally when cooking the orzo to avoid sticking or clumping at the bottom.
Adjust the lemon juice quantity to taste if you prefer a more or less tangy soup.
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American