Oh wow—this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup? Total comfort in a bowl. I tried it once when I was feeling blah, and it seriously warmed me up inside.

It’s light, cozy, and has just the right pop of lemon. Kinda like chicken soup, but with a fun twist—hello, orzo! And it’s super simple to make too.

The first spoonful made me smile. It’s got that fresh, happy flavor that makes you wanna keep eating. Honestly, it’s now one of my go-to soups.

So, wanna try it too? Stick around—I’ll show you how I make it step-by-step. It’s really that easy, promise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Comfort Food: This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl—it’s full of hearty ingredients like tender chicken, orzo, and fresh vegetables, all combined in a flavorful broth.
Zesty Lemon Flavor: The fresh lemon juice adds the perfect balance of tanginess that cuts through the richness of the soup.
Quick and Easy: With only about 40 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy nights or meal prepping for the week.
Customizable: You can adjust the lemon and seasoning levels to suit your taste, making it just right for your family.
Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and flavorful broth, this soup is as nutritious as it is comforting.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we start, make sure you have these kitchen tools on hand:

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Perfect for making soups and stews.
Sharp Knife: For chopping veggies and chicken.
Cutting Board: To keep your work area clean.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of your ingredients.
Wooden Spoon: To stir the soup and keep everything combined.
Ladle: For serving the soup.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Celery: Adds a nice crunch and subtle flavor to the soup.
Carrots: A touch of sweetness and earthiness to balance the acidity of the lemon.
Onion: Provides a savory base flavor to the broth.
Butter and Olive Oil: A combination of both helps sauté the vegetables and gives the soup a rich base.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and flavor.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly and gives it a creamy texture without being too heavy.
Chicken Broth: The liquid base for the soup, full of savory goodness.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of dried herbs to enhance the soup’s flavor.
Chicken Breasts: Fresh, uncooked chicken breasts are used to create the soup’s rich, savory flavor. They’re shredded to add to the soup for protein.
Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that adds heartiness to the soup without being overwhelming.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice for that zesty, tangy kick.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish to the soup.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste and bring out all the flavors.

Variations for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Add Spinach or Kale: Add some greens to your soup for extra vitamins and fiber.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, shred some store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Swap Orzo with Rice: If you prefer rice, you can use it in place of orzo for a similar texture.
Add More Herbs: Experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary for a more fragrant soup.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the mix.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the celery, carrots, and onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into small chunks. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process go smoothly.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot, heat a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once melted and heated, add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Cook the Chicken

Now that your vegetables are softened, it’s time to add the chicken. Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the pot, and add the chicken chunks to the center. Sauté the chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. This will give the soup extra flavor and color.

Once the chicken is cooked, mix everything together in the pot.

4. Add the Garlic and Flour

Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Now, add in the flour. Stir it in well, making sure the flour coats the chicken and vegetables. This will help thicken the broth later. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.

5. Pour in the Chicken Broth

Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pot, stirring as you go. The broth will start to come together with the flour, creating a smooth base for the soup. Scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot to incorporate them into the broth for more flavor.

Once the broth is added, bring the soup to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Add the Orzo

Once the soup is simmering, add the uncooked orzo to the pot. Stir it in and allow the orzo to cook in the broth for about 10 minutes, or until it’s tender. You may need to adjust the heat slightly to make sure the soup is at a low simmer, not a full boil, to keep the orzo from overcooking.

7. Add the Lemon Juice and Seasonings

Once the orzo is cooked, it’s time to bring the soup together with a burst of fresh lemon flavor. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon, and stir it well. This will give the soup a refreshing, tangy kick that balances the richness of the chicken and orzo.

Now, add salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with a little, then taste and adjust as needed. The soup should be flavorful but not overly salty. If you like a little extra kick, feel free to add more pepper!

8. Finish with Fresh Parsley

For a pop of color and fresh flavor, stir in some freshly chopped parsley. This step adds an herbal note that complements the lemon and ties everything together. It also makes the soup look more vibrant!

9. Taste and Adjust

Before serving, give the soup a final taste check. Depending on your preference, you can add more lemon juice for extra tang or more seasonings to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to serve it:

With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the bright, zesty flavors of the soup.
With Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the broth.
Topped with Parmesan: For extra richness, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl.
With a Lemon Wedge: Add a lemon wedge on the side for anyone who wants an extra squeeze of citrus.

Storing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
In the Freezer: While orzo can become mushy when frozen, you can freeze the soup (without orzo) for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook fresh orzo separately to add when reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a little extra chicken broth to thin out the soup, especially if the orzo absorbed too much liquid.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Fiber
1 bowl (1 cup)	330	30g	25g	12g	3g

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a must-try recipe if you’re in the mood for a comforting yet refreshing dish. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for those cozy nights when you need something quick and filling. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!