Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Chicken Orzo Soup is a delicious dish made with shredded chicken, vegetables, orzo pasta, and a flavorful broth. This soup offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and comforting warmth. The orzo pasta adds a unique texture, while the chicken brings a rich, hearty flavor. It’s an easy-to-make soup that can be enjoyed at any time of year.

This Chicken Orzo Soup recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and efficient option for busy nights. The cooking time is divided between softening the vegetables, simmering the broth, and cooking the orzo pasta to tender perfection. The dish is simple yet satisfying, requiring just a bit of attention to bring all the flavors together.

Chicken Orzo Soup is one of those dishes that always brings a sense of comfort. The blend of fresh vegetables and tender chicken makes it a satisfying meal. The orzo pasta adds a lovely texture, and the lemon juice provides a refreshing kick. With minimal effort, the result is a flavorful, hearty soup that can be served as a meal or a starter. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights when you need something easy and filling.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Orzo Soup

• Comforting and Hearty: Chicken orzo soup is the perfect comfort food, offering a warm, soothing feel with every bite. The combination of tender chicken, soft orzo, and flavorful broth is both satisfying and nourishing, especially on cold days.
• Packed with Flavor: This soup is bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. Whether it’s the savory chicken or the earthy garlic, each ingredient adds to a rich taste that will make you crave more.
• Quick and Easy: Chicken orzo soup is simple to make and doesn’t require hours of preparation. It’s a quick, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something comforting without a lot of effort.

Ingredient Notes for Chicken Orzo Soup

• Olive Oil: A key base for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil adds healthy fats and a rich flavor to the soup.
• Onion: The onion brings sweetness and depth to the soup. It’s essential for building the flavor profile.
• Carrots: Carrots offer a slight sweetness and color. They also provide added nutrition and texture to the soup.
• Celery Stalks: Celery adds a fresh, crisp texture and a subtle flavor that balances the richness of the chicken broth.
• Garlic: Garlic enhances the soup with a savory, aromatic note. It helps deepen the overall flavor.
• Chicken Broth: This is the heart of the soup. Chicken broth gives the soup its rich and comforting flavor, making it warm and soothing.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken adds protein to the soup, making it a hearty meal.
• Orzo Pasta: Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the soup, making each bite satisfying.
• Dried Thyme: Thyme brings an earthy, slightly floral flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and vegetables.
• Dried Parsley: Parsley adds a light, fresh flavor to balance the heartiness of the other ingredients. It also brightens the overall taste of the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavors of the soup, bringing everything together.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the broth and chicken.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and flavorful vegetables. To make it truly your own, start by selecting the best chicken—whether it’s breast, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken. The right choice of meat will set the foundation for your soup.

For added depth of flavor, try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup. This simple step enhances their natural sweetness and gives the soup a rich, savory taste. Carrots, celery, and onions are common additions, but feel free to experiment with others like parsnips or leeks.

When it comes to seasoning, use a mix of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. These herbs work well with the chicken and orzo, making the soup fragrant and inviting. A pinch of garlic or a splash of lemon juice can elevate the dish even further.

Chicken Orzo Soup Variation

There are many ways to customize Chicken Orzo Soup to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Add More Veggies: You can include extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or kale for a nutrient boost. These vegetables cook quickly and add a fresh, vibrant taste.
• Use Different Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can swap it for turkey or even ground sausage. Each protein will bring a different flavor to the soup.
• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup. This will give it a spicy kick while complementing the savory broth.
• Creamy Version: If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This will make the soup richer and smooth in texture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice. This will still give the soup the comforting feel without the gluten.

These variations allow you to adapt Chicken Orzo Soup to your personal preferences, making it even more enjoyable for different tastes and dietary restrictions.

How to Serve Chicken Orzo Soup

Chicken Orzo Soup can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for presenting this dish:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve a bowl of soup with a slice of crusty bread on the side. The bread can be dipped into the soup for a satisfying combination.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley, thyme, or even a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavor of the soup and adds a fresh touch.
• As a Side Dish: Chicken Orzo Soup also works well as a starter or side dish alongside a main course. Pair it with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Topped with Cheese: For extra richness, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the soup just before serving. The creamy cheese adds depth and complements the flavors.

Chicken Orzo Soup is versatile enough to be served as a light meal on its own or as part of a larger dinner spread.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, Chicken Orzo Soup can be stored for later. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat it:

• In the Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Be aware that the orzo may absorb some of the broth over time, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
• In the Freezer: If you want to keep the soup for longer, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Again, you may need to add a little extra broth.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding more broth or water if necessary to adjust the consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw fully before reheating.

FAQs About Chicken Orzo Soup

How do you make Chicken Orzo Soup?
To make Chicken Orzo Soup, cook chicken and vegetables in broth, then add orzo pasta and simmer until tender. Season with herbs and spices for extra flavor.

Can I freeze Chicken Orzo Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Orzo Soup for up to three months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Is Chicken Orzo Soup healthy?
Yes, Chicken Orzo Soup is a healthy option as it includes lean protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables. It’s a balanced meal that’s nutritious and filling.

How long does Chicken Orzo Soup last in the fridge?
Chicken Orzo Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly before eating.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Chicken Orzo Soup is a delicious dish made with shreddedchicken, vegetables, orzo pasta, and a flavorful broth. This soup offers aperfect balance of protein, fiber, and comforting warmth. The orzo pasta adds aunique texture, while the chicken brings a rich, hearty flavor. It's aneasy-to-make soup that can be enjoyed at any time of year.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 1 medium onion.
• 2 medium carrots.
• 2 celery stalks.
• 2 cloves garlic.
• 6 cups chicken broth.
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken.
• 1 cup orzo pasta .
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme .
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley .
• Salt and pepper .
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional .

Equipment

• Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Soup Ladle
• Strainer
• Soup Bowls

Method

 

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the pot. Stir for about 1 minute, letting the spices become fragrant.
3. Add the Chicken and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and let the soup simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
5. Add the Chicken: Once the orzo is cooked, add the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through.
6. Finish with Lemon Juice: If you’re using lemon juice, add it now to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

I cooked this Chicken Orzo Soup for a family dinner, and it was a big hit! The warm, savory broth with tender chicken and pasta was exactly what everyone needed on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s so easy to adjust – you can throw in extra vegetables or swap out the orzo for another type of pasta if you prefer. Whether you make this for a busy weeknight or prepare it ahead of time, this recipe will be your go-to comfort meal. It’s just that good!