Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 6 cups chicken broth or stock; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade); 3/4 cup orzo pasta; Juice of 1 lemon; Zest of 1/2 lemon; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh dill or parsley, optional for garnish

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the kind of comfort food I reach for when I want something light, nourishing, and full of fresh flavor. It combines tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and bright lemon in a cozy broth that soothes without being heavy. Whether it’s cold outside or I just need something wholesome and satisfying, this soup always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and brightness. The orzo makes it filling, the chicken adds lean protein, and the lemon brings a refreshing twist that lifts the whole dish. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in one pot. I find it’s just as good for meal prep as it is for serving a crowd or enjoying on a quiet night in. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth or stock
Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
Orzo pasta
Lemon juice and zest
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until they’re softened—about 5–7 minutes.
I add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.
I stir in the orzo and let it simmer until the pasta is just tender, usually 8–10 minutes.
I add the shredded chicken and continue to simmer until warmed through.
I stir in the lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Right before serving, I sometimes toss in a handful of fresh dill or parsley for an herby finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. In total, I can have this soup on the table in under 40 minutes. It’s quick enough for weeknights but still feels like a special, homemade meal.

Variations

Creamy Version: I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a silky texture.
Egg-Lemon Twist: I temper in eggs (like avgolemono) for a traditional Greek-style finish.
Add Greens: I toss in a handful of spinach or kale toward the end for extra nutrition.
Spicy Touch: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Swap Orzo: I use rice, small pasta shapes, or even quinoa if I don’t have orzo on hand.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Since orzo tends to absorb liquid, I add a splash of broth or water when reheating. To warm it up, I use the stovetop or microwave until everything is heated through. This soup also freezes well, though I sometimes cook the orzo separately and add it fresh when serving to maintain the best texture. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken in the soup?

Yes, I simmer raw chicken breasts or thighs directly in the broth and then shred them before adding back into the pot.

What can I use instead of orzo?

I often swap orzo with rice, pastina, or even small elbow macaroni depending on what I have in the pantry.

How much lemon should I use?

I usually use the juice of one full lemon and zest about half of it. If I want it brighter, I add more juice at the end.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, I add all the ingredients except the orzo and lemon and cook on low for 6–7 hours. I stir in the orzo during the last 20–30 minutes and add the lemon right before serving.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not by default, but I can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta or substituting with rice.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is everything I want in a comforting bowl: warmth, flavor, and freshness all wrapped into one. It’s simple, satisfying, and adaptable to whatever I have in the kitchen. Whether I need to feed my family or just want something cozy for myself, this soup always makes me feel nourished and comforted.