Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect dish for cozy nights or when you need a comforting meal. It’s simple to make, with fresh ingredients and bright flavors. The combination of tender chicken, hearty orzo, and zesty lemon creates a delicious and nourishing soup that warms you from the inside out. This soup is not only tasty but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights.
How to Make Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped, preferably rotisserie)
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in uncooked orzo. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until tender.
- Add shredded chicken and simmer 5 minutes more to heat through.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let rest briefly before serving.
How to Serve Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Serve this soup hot in bowls, garnished with additional chopped parsley and a splash of fresh lemon juice. You can pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. This soup is great for lunch or dinner and even makes for a wonderful starter on chilly days.
How to Store Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. The orzo may absorb some of the broth during storage. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove and add a little extra broth or water if needed.
Tips to Make Irresistibly Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation. It adds flavor and saves time!
- Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Adjust the lemon juice to your taste if you like it more tangy or mellow.
Variation
For a creamier version, stir in a little heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving. You can also swap orzo for another small pasta or even rice if you prefer!
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the lemon juice until you’re ready to serve for the freshest flavor.
Can I freeze Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze without the orzo, as it can become mushy. You can freeze the broth and chicken mixture and add fresh orzo when you reheat.
What can I use instead of orzo?
You can swap orzo for other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. You can also use rice or quinoa as alternatives.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
A comforting and nourishing soup made with tender chicken, hearty orzo, and zesty lemon, perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped, preferably rotisserie)
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in uncooked orzo. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until tender.
- Add shredded chicken and simmer 5 minutes more to heat through.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation. Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg