Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks celery (chopped finely); 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely); 1/2 medium onion (chopped); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts; 1 cup uncooked orzo; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste); Salt & pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 25 reviews

If there’s ever been a bowl of pure comfort for dreary days, it’s this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. Lively with fresh citrus, tender bites of chicken, and a silky swirl of orzo, each mouthful feels like a hug from the inside out. The vegetables add a gentle sweetness, while fragrant herbs, a touch of rich broth, and a pop of fresh parsley make this soup as inviting to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply seeking a soul-warming meal, this recipe is a bright, easy favorite you’ll want to return to again and again.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup really comes from its straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each element plays a role in building flavor, texture, and color, making this dish both simple and special—no fancy techniques necessary!

Celery: Finely chopped celery brings aromatic freshness and a subtle, savory undertone.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the soup and adds pops of cheerful color.
Onion: Provides a foundational depth of flavor that infuses the broth.
Butter: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors as the base veggies sauté.
Olive Oil: Ensures veggies cook smoothly and infuses a fruity complexity.
Garlic: Offers an irresistible aromatic punch—don’t skip it!
Flour: Just a touch thickens the broth gently, creating a silkier soup.
Chicken Broth: The heart of your soup—choose a high-quality broth for best results.
Italian Seasoning: A hint of herbs rounds out the broth beautifully.
Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-rich, and soaks up all that savory flavor.
Orzo: Tiny rice-shaped pasta that becomes delightfully plump and tender in the soup.
Lemon Juice: The star ingredient—fresh lemon brightens every delicious spoonful!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top gives a fresh, vibrant finish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for drawing out all the other flavors—season to taste!

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Start by heating your butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté these for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the veggies to soften and the kitchen to fill with that lovely, savory aroma—this flavorful base lays the groundwork for the entire Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and give everything a quick stir—just about 30 seconds, which is enough time to release those fragrant aromatics. Next, add the flour, stirring continuously for another minute. This step is key for slightly thickening the broth and giving your soup its signature silky texture.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Add Chicken

Pour the chicken broth into your pot while stirring, making sure the flour dissolves seamlessly. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and nestle the chicken breasts right into the soup. Increase the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil—the anticipation at this stage is real!

Step 4: Simmer Away

Once your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup base is bubbling, cover the pot with the lid just slightly ajar. Reduce the heat and leave it to simmer for 15 minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook through while releasing all its juicy goodness into the broth.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

Time to add the orzo! Stir it in, leave the lid off, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. It’s important to give the soup a gentle stir every now and then so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom—the result should be tender, plump grains nestled in a beautifully fragrant broth.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon, Parsley, and Seasoning

Carefully remove the chicken breasts, chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces, and return them to the pot. Pour in the lemon juice, sprinkle in fresh parsley, and, most importantly, season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s up to you how lemony you want your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup—add a bit extra if you love that citrus spark! Serve right away and let the cozy vibes begin.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Garnishes

A final flourish can make your bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup both beautiful and even tastier. A generous handful of freshly chopped parsley, a dash of cracked black pepper, or even a few zest curls of lemon peel bring color and a little extra zip to each serving. For a creamy touch, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan is never out of place.

Side Dishes

This soup is deliciously satisfying on its own, but it also loves a good friend on the side! Try serving with a rustic slice of buttered sourdough, warm pita bread, or a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. These sides scoop up every bit of broth and complement the citrusy notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, ladle your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup into oversized mugs for easy sipping, or serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun, edible twist. Garnish each bowl individually—scatter extra parsley, float a lemon slice, or add oven-toasted orzo for crunch. Small touches make weeknight dinners feel memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once it’s cooled, store any leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days—just remember that the orzo may soak up a bit more broth as it sits, so the soup thickens slightly with time.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the soup completely and ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. For best results, consider freezing the soup without the orzo (add freshly cooked orzo after thawing), as pasta can become overly soft once frozen and thawed. Stored this way, the soup keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. For microwave reheating, cover and heat in bursts, stirring in between. Add extra lemon juice and parsley after reheating to revive that fresh, bright flavor!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken, simply skip simmering raw chicken in the soup. Add the shredded chicken in near the end of cooking, when you add the orzo, so it can soak up some flavor without overcooking.

Can I substitute another type of pasta for the orzo?

Yes—tiny pasta shapes like ditalini, pastina, or even broken spaghetti work well as stand-ins if you’re out of orzo. Just watch the cooking time, as different shapes have slightly different requirements.

Can Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup be made vegetarian?

You bet! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, swap in plant-based cooked chicken or chickpeas for protein, and you’ll have a satisfying vegetarian version still brimming with citrusy goodness and texture.

How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?

To keep the orzo perfectly al dente, stir it often while cooking and don’t let the soup simmer for much longer than the suggested 10 minutes after adding the pasta. For meal prep, you can even cook the orzo separately and add it to each individual bowl.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in baby spinach, kale, or diced zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. These additions boost nutrition and make the soup even heartier without weighing it down.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you treat yourself to a steaming bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup soon—there’s nothing quite like its bright, cozy flavors to lighten up any day. Dive in, get creative, and let this easy, comforting recipe bring you joy with every spoonful.