This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a bright twist on classic chicken soup—light yet satisfying, with tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and a refreshing burst of lemon. It’s cozy enough for chilly days but fresh enough to enjoy year-round. Perfect for quick dinners or elegant starters.
🕒 Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife & cutting board
- Ladle
🥣 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1–2 lemons (about 3–4 tbsp)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill (optional)
🧂 Ingredient Notes
- Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and adds a silky texture
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon is key—don’t skip for that bright flavor
- Chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly
- Herbs: Dill gives a Mediterranean touch; parsley keeps it classic
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 2: Add Broth & Seasoning
Pour in chicken broth. Add salt, pepper, oregano (or thyme), and bay leaf.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Cook Orzo
Add orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
Step 4: Add Chicken
Stir in shredded chicken and simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Lemon
Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice and zest.
(Important: Add lemon at the end to keep flavor fresh and bright.)
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill and serve warm.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
- Pair with a light salad
- Add grated Parmesan on top for extra richness
🔢 Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 280–330
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbohydrates: 25–30g
- Fat: 8–10g