Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this delightful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. Fresh, flavorful, and packed with wholesome vegetables, this easy-to-make soup is a perfect weeknight dinner that will quickly become a cherished family favorite. Its bright, zesty notes and hearty ingredients offer a unique twist on classic chicken soup, making it a truly satisfying meal.

If you’re a fan of the versatile orzo pasta, you’ll definitely want to explore other exciting dishes. For another hearty and flavorful meal, be sure to try this Orzo Recipe with Italian Sausage and Peppers.

Discover the Comfort of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

There’s a universally recognized magic in a warm bowl of chicken soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, capable of soothing the soul on a chilly evening or providing gentle nourishment when you’re feeling under the weather. While your grandmother’s chicken noodle soup holds a special place, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup offers a wonderfully bright and equally comforting alternative that’s surprisingly easy and fast to prepare. It’s a vibrant, vegetable-packed dish where the fresh lemon juice infuses every spoonful with an uplifting, zesty flavor that truly sets it apart.

Why This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe

• Effortlessly Delicious: Designed for busy weeknights, this recipe simplifies cooking without sacrificing flavor. Its straightforward steps mean you can have a wholesome, homemade meal on the table in under an hour.
• Bright & Zesty Flavor Profile: The star of this soup is undoubtedly the fresh lemon juice, which cuts through the richness of the chicken broth and adds a delightful tang. It brightens the entire dish, making it feel both hearty and light.
• Nutrient-Rich & Wholesome: Loaded with a colorful array of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, plus lean protein from chicken and satisfying orzo pasta, this soup is a well-balanced and nutritious meal that supports overall wellness.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Orzo, with its small, rice-like shape, is a hit with kids and adults alike. Its subtle texture and the familiar comfort of chicken soup make this a meal everyone at the table will enjoy, even picky eaters.
• Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer a thicker, heartier soup or a lighter, brothier consistency, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily adjust the amount of broth and lemon to suit your personal preferences.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Crafting this vibrant soup starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so special.

• Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is ideal for sautéing the vegetables, laying the foundation of flavor. You can also use other neutral oils like avocado or canola oil if preferred.
• Carrots, Celery, Onion, and Garlic: This classic aromatic base, often referred to as a mirepoix, is essential for any great soup. These vegetables simmer down, releasing their sweet and savory flavors into the broth. Feel free to enhance this mix with other vegetables like frozen peas, spinach, or chopped zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Seasonings: A simple blend of dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper is all you need to elevate the natural flavors of the soup. If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as a sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of fresh oregano, they will add an even more vibrant aroma and taste.
• Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour helps to slightly thicken the soup, giving it a more substantial body. This creates a comforting texture without making the soup overly dense. If you prefer a thinner soup, or if you need a gluten-free option, you can omit the flour entirely, or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) added at the end.
• Chicken Broth: Using a low-sodium chicken broth is recommended, as it allows you to control the overall saltiness of the soup to your preference. Vegetable broth can also be used for a lighter flavor, or a rich homemade chicken stock for deeper complexity.
• Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta is a delightful alternative to traditional noodles. It cooks quickly and absorbs the broth beautifully, adding a satisfying chewiness to every spoonful. If orzo isn’t available, other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small broken spaghetti pieces can be substituted, though cooking times may vary. You can find quality orzo pasta online or at most grocery stores.
• Chicken: For ultimate convenience, pre-cooked shredded or cubed chicken is a game-changer for this weeknight recipe. This could be leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or chicken you’ve prepped ahead of time. Learn how to easily make and store shredded chicken for future meals. If using raw chicken, dice it and cook it in the pot before adding vegetables, or poach it separately and shred.
• Lemon Juice: This is the signature ingredient that defines the soup’s bright character. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice simply won’t provide the same vibrant, fresh zest. The difference is truly noticeable!
• Optional Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, while grated Parmesan cheese offers a savory, salty finish. A few thin lemon slices can also make for a beautiful presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Creating this delicious soup is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating your chosen oil in a large soup pot or a sturdy Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook these vegetables, stirring frequently, until they soften and become fragrant, usually about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step, as properly sautéed vegetables form the flavor backbone of your soup.
2. Infuse with Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic along with the dried thyme and dried oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for another minute or so, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the herbs to release their aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Thicken the Base (Optional): Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the flour is fully absorbed and coats the vegetables. This step creates a roux that will slightly thicken your soup.
4. Build the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming if you used flour. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the dry orzo pasta and the pre-cooked shredded or cubed chicken. Make sure everything is well combined and submerged in the broth.
6. Simmer to Perfection: Continue to cook the soup until the orzo pasta is tender and cooked through, which typically takes about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The chicken only needs to be warmed through, as it’s already cooked.
7. Finish with Lemon: Once the pasta is perfectly tender, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Start with 1/3 cup, then taste the soup. If you desire a more pronounced lemon flavor, gradually add more, up to 1/2 cup, adjusting to your preference. Re-season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or thin lemon slices, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Unlock the full potential of your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with these helpful insights and variations:

• Achieving Your Desired Consistency: This recipe typically yields a fairly thick and hearty soup. If you prefer a lighter, more “soupy” texture, don’t hesitate to add up to 2 additional cups of chicken broth. Adjust gradually until it reaches your perfect consistency. Remember, the orzo will continue to absorb broth as it sits, so if you’re making it ahead or expecting leftovers, a little extra broth is always a good idea.
• Managing Orzo Absorption for Leftovers: Orzo, like many pastas, will continue to soak up liquid even after cooking. If you’re not planning to serve the entire batch of soup immediately, a clever trick is to cook the orzo separately. Prepare the soup base and chicken, then cook the orzo in a separate pot according to package directions. Add a portion of cooked orzo to each individual serving bowl just before pouring in the hot soup. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and ensures the soup remains a perfect consistency, especially if you plan to enjoy leftovers over a few days. If you follow this method, 6 cups of broth for the soup base will be more than sufficient.
• Customizing Lemon Flavor: The amount of lemon juice is a matter of personal preference. For a subtle brightness that merely enhances the existing flavors, 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice is usually enough. If you crave a more prominent, distinct lemon flavor that shines through, I recommend adding 1/2 cup. Always taste and adjust, as lemon intensity can vary.
• Boost the Citrus Aroma: For an even more intense and aromatic lemon experience, consider adding the zest of one lemon along with the juice at the end of cooking. The zest contains essential oils that contribute a wonderful fragrance without adding extra tartness.
• Make Ahead for Convenience: The vegetable base (sautéed carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and herbs) can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also have your shredded chicken ready to go. This significantly cuts down on prep time on a busy weeknight.
• Serving Suggestions: This soup is fantastic on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra vegetables, white beans, or chickpeas for added protein and heartiness.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic and herbs can provide a pleasant warmth.

Storing and Reheating Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the delightful flavors of this soup for days to come.

• Refrigeration: Leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you’ll likely notice that the orzo has absorbed a significant amount of the broth, making the soup much thicker. Simply add an extra splash or two of chicken broth (or even water) to achieve your desired consistency before warming it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Freezing this soup is generally not recommended if the orzo is already cooked within it. The pasta tends to become mushy and lose its pleasant texture upon thawing and reheating. However, if you wish to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so *without* the orzo. Prepare the soup base and chicken as directed, but do not add the orzo. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop. Once simmering, add freshly cooked orzo and warm through before serving.

More Heartwarming Soup Recipes to Explore

If you loved this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, you’ll surely enjoy these other delicious and comforting soup recipes perfect for any occasion:

• Zuppa Toscana
• Minestrone
• Taco Soup Recipe
• Curried Butternut Squash Soup
• New England Chicken Corn Chowder
• Lasagna Soup

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

5 from 1 vote

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

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Fresh, delicious, and filled with veggies, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is an easy weeknight soup that is comforting and will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3-4 medium carrots peeled and chopped
• 3 ribs celery chopped
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth*
• 8 oz dry orzo pasta
• 8 oz cooked, shredded or cubed chicken
• 1/3 – 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Chopped parsley and grated parmesan optional

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the carrots, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft. Add the garlic, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 3-4 medium carrots, 3 ribs celery, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, Salt and pepper
• Sprinkle in the flour. Stir and cook for another minute or two. Pour in the chicken broth.
  2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 6 cups low sodium chicken broth*
• Bring the soup to a gentle boil and stir in the orzo. Add the chicken and stir to combine.
  8 oz dry orzo pasta, 8 oz cooked, shredded or cubed chicken
• Cook until the orzo is tender and the chicken is warmed through, about 9-11 minutes. Stir several times while it is cooking so that the orzo does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Once the pasta is cooked through, stir in the lemon juice. (Start with 1/3 cup then taste. If you want more lemon flavor, you can add more.)
  1/3 – 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Serve topped with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan, if desired.
  Chopped parsley and grated parmesan

Recipe Notes:

*This makes a fairly thick soup. You can add up to 2 additional cups of chicken broth if you want it more “soupy”.

The orzo will also continue to absorb the broth, so if you aren’t serving this right away, I would suggest cooking the orzo separately and adding some to each portion. If you are doing this, 6 cups of broth will be more than enough.

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information does not include toppings.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/6 of recipe, Calories: 259kcal (13%), Carbohydrates: 41g (14%), Protein: 16g (32%), Fat: 4g (6%), Saturated Fat: 0g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 245mg (11%), Fiber: 4g (17%), Sugar: 7g (8%)

Keywords: chicken soup, lemon chicken orzo soup, orzo soup