A simple yet delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe that everyone in the family will love. In less than 1 hour, you can have this flavor-packed dish on your dinner table.

Light, Zesty, and Comforting
I will always cheer for the combination of lemon and chicken. This is quite obvious from my favorite lemon pepper wings recipe to the simple lemon chicken piccata.
If you love warm and comforting soups, you’ll definitely enjoy this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. It’s light, tasty, and full of simple ingredients. The lemon adds a fresh, zesty flavor, and the chicken and orzo pasta make it filling without being too heavy.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this easy soup is perfect for any time of year. I’m excited to share this recipe with you!
What is Orzo and Why Use It in Soup?
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a flavorful dish that packs a punch when it comes to textures and tastes. It is a refreshing twist on classic chicken soup, this lemony version with orzo pasta is both hearty and bright.
Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like rice. It’s great in soups because it cooks quickly and adds a lovely texture without making the soup too heavy. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute orzo with quinoa, rice, or small gluten-free pasta.
The base of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is tasty and is often made with chicken broth/stock. Tender pieces of chicken are added, giving the soup a delicious, protein-packed element. The soup itself is hearty, and the distinct feature of the Orzo pasta is everything. It contributes largely to the flavors and chewiness of this flavorful soup.
This soup is truly a delight, especially as the lemony flavor caps it all. I make use of lemon juice and zest to achieve this tangy flavor. Let’s get into the meal!
Why Lemon Makes Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Special
The addition of lemon in this soup gives it a fresh, tangy kick that balances the savory flavors of the chicken and vegetables. The lemon juice adds brightness, and the zest intensifies the citrus flavor, making the soup refreshing and unique. If you love light, zesty flavors, this lemon twist is what makes the soup stand out.
Ingredients for making lemon chicken orzo soup
- Olive oil: Used for frying and adding flavor to the dish.
- Chicken breasts: cooked and shredded
- Onion: Provides flavor and aroma to the soup base
- Chicken broth: This forms the liquid base and provides the main flavor foundation.
- Veggies (Carrots, Celery, Spinach): Adds sweetness, mild herbal notes, leafy green component, and a texture to the soup.
- Garlic: Use this to enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the dish.
- Dried Oregano: this gives the dish a Mediterranean herb flavor
- Dried thyme: Enhances the flavor of the soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon, juiced and zested: Adds a bright and tangy citrus element to the soup.
- Uncooked Orzo: This is quite important in the recipe as it contributes the pasta element to the dish and adds substance to the recipe.
- Fresh parsley and grated parmesan for garnish (optional)

How to make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
I love how easy this recipe is! Just follow these simple steps, and in under an hour, you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, oregano, and thyme, stirring for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add orzo and cook for 10 minutes until tender.
- Shred cooked chicken breasts with a fork.
- Stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Heat through.
- Garnish with parsley
- Serve hot and enjoy!
What to serve with lemon chicken orzo soup
- Garlic Bread: If you have wondered what sort of bread you can serve with lemon chicken orzo soup, Garlic Bread is a perfect classic choice. It complements the soup’s flavors well.
- Light Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a lemony vinaigrette also balances the meal. Arugula salad or Caesar salad are good pairings with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. The fresh and peppery flavors of Arugula will go well with the soup. Same with the creamy and tangy flavors of the Caesar salad pairing well with the citrusy flavor of the soup.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts can offer a variety of textures and flavors to enjoy alongside the soup.
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Serving roasted veggies like bell peppers, and eggplant provides a savory and smoky side to this already tasty recipe.
- Roasted Potatoes: Pair roasted potatoes with this soup for a filling and delectable meal.
On Leftovers
You can definitely store the lemon chicken orzo soup as leftovers for future meals. It’s a great dish for meal prepping and enjoying over a few days. What you’ll need to do is:
- Allow the soup to cool down slightly before storing it. I recommend that you refrigerate or freeze it within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety. Make sure to use airtight containers to store the soup. Refrigerated lemon chicken orzo soup can generally be consumed within 4-5 days while maintaining its quality.
- Reheat the refrigerated soup. You can heat in microwave-safe containers, stirring in between, to avoid uneven heating. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of additional water to maintain the soup’s consistency, as liquids tend to thicken as they cool and are reheated.
- Add more liquid & fresh ingredients: You can add more broth or water to maintain the soup’s consistency. To freshen up the leftovers, you can add some fresh vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or spinach. Sauté them separately and then add them to the reheated soup.
- Freeze for later: If you have a large amount of leftovers and don’t plan on consuming them within a few days, you can portion out the soup and freeze it for later. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.

FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes. If you want a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth. It will alter the flavor profile slightly but should still be delicious.
Can I substitute the orzo with a different type of pasta?
Certainly! You can use other small pasta like mini penne, or even broken spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
How do I prevent the orzo from overcooking?
To prevent overcooking, cook the orzo separately, and then add it to the soup just before serving. This helps you maintain control over the pasta’s texture.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If the soup turns out thinner than you’d like, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and then stir it into the simmering soup. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
What bread should I serve with lemon chicken orzo soup?
Garlic Bread, Crusty Baguette, or French Bread are the perfect types of bread you can serve with lemon chicken orzo soup. The crusty exterior and soft interior provide a contrasting texture to the citrusy soup.
Quick Tips to note
- Prep your ingredients: Chop and dice all your vegetables, mince the garlic and shred the chicken before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother.
- Do not overcook the pasta: Follow the package instructions for cooking the orzo. Be mindful not to overcook it, as it will continue to absorb liquid in the soup.
- Use good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You may consider low-sodium options to control the soup’s overall saltiness.
- Season with salt and pepper carefully. Remember that the broth might already contain salt, so taste and adjust as needed.
Other lemony recipes to try out
- Easy Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe
- Simple Homemade Lemonade Recipe
- Simple Homestyle Lemon Chicken Piccata
- How to Zest a Lemon
- Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
- Lemon Pepper Wings with Lemon Pepper Sauce
- Easy Lemon Garlic Baked CodFish Recipe
- Lemon Yogurt Cake

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 carrots chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 cups chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery, stirring until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, and thyme, stirring for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the orzo to the pot and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Add the shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pot. Stir the soup until the ingredients are fully mixed and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
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