Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup is a light yet comforting dish featuring tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and a vibrant burst of fresh lemon. It’s bright, nourishing, and easy to make, offering a refreshing twist on traditional chicken soup that’s perfect for any season.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighsorzo pastachicken brotholive oilonioncarrotscelerygarlic clovelemon (juice and zest)bay leafdried oreganofresh dill or parsley (optional)saltblack pepper

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Add raw chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.

Stir in orzo and simmer for another 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.

Add lemon juice and zest, stirring well to combine.

Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use rice instead of orzo for a gluten-free version.
Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Swap chicken for turkey if preferred.
Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if the orzo has absorbed too much liquid.
Freeze the soup without the orzo for up to 3 months; add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add it when the orzo is nearly done to warm through.

Is the soup very lemony?
It’s bright but balanced; adjust lemon to your taste.

Can I use whole wheat orzo?
Absolutely, just adjust the cooking time slightly.

What can I substitute for orzo?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or even cooked quinoa work well.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, but freeze before adding the orzo for best texture.

Can I make it creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Does it thicken as it sits?
Yes, orzo absorbs liquid, so you might need extra broth when reheating.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable broth and replace chicken with chickpeas or extra veggies.

What herbs pair well with it?
Dill, parsley, and thyme are all excellent choices.

Can I add more lemon?
Of course! Taste and add more if you love extra brightness.

Conclusion

Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup is a refreshing, feel-good meal that brings sunshine to your table in every spoonful. It’s quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable—perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or anytime you need a bright, delicious bowl of comfort!