Go Back
Paul

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting delight.

This cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is light yet satisfying, brimming with tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta in a zesty, aromatic broth. It's the perfect balance of comfort and freshness, ready to warm you up on any day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sticks celery finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and finely chopped
  • ½ medium onion chopped (preferably sweet/Vidalia)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth use low-sodium if desired
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1½ pounds uncooked chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Sauté vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.
  2. Add garlic and flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another minute to cook off the raw flavor.
  3. Add broth and chicken: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to blend with the flour. Add Italian seasoning and nestle the chicken breasts into the broth.
  4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
  5. Add orzo: Stir in the orzo and continue to simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Shred chicken and finish: Remove the cooked chicken breasts, chop into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pot. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon slices or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, add a Parmesan rind during simmering and remove before serving.
  • If you like extra lemon flavor, zest half a lemon into the soup before serving.
  • You can substitute rotisserie chicken and reduce the simmering time.
  • For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end.