A bright, comforting, and refreshing soup made with tender chicken, silky orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a bold punch of lemon. This dish is perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or when you want something light yet satisfying.

What Is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a Mediterranean-inspired broth-based soup loaded with chicken, aromatic vegetables, and orzo pasta. The key highlight is the generous addition of lemon juice, which provides a fresh citrusy flavor that lifts the entire dish. Often enriched with herbs like dill or parsley, this soup is known for its soothing texture and vibrant taste.

Why You Will Love This Soup

• Light but filling
• Bright citrus flavor
• Ready in under 35 minutes
• One-pot recipe
• Great for weekly meal prep
• Family-friendly and customizable

Ingredients

Main Soup Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves

Lemon & Herb Finish

• 2 lemons (zested + juiced)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: 1 tbsp fresh dill
• Optional: 1 egg whisked for creamier texture

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

1. Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Add broth and seasonings

Pour in chicken broth and add salt, pepper, bay leaves, and Italian seasoning.

3. Add orzo and chicken

Bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo and shredded chicken. Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add lemon

Remove bay leaves. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.

5. Add herbs

Mix in parsley and dill (optional).

6. Creamy option

For a velvety finish:
Whisk 1 egg with ¼ cup of hot soup broth → slowly pour into soup while whisking.

7. Serve

Serve warm with extra lemon wedges.

Expert Tips

• Add more broth if the soup thickens (orzo absorbs liquid).
• For deeper flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breast.
• Add spinach at the end for extra nutrition.
• For gluten-free version: use rice instead of orzo.

Storage

• Fridge: 3–4 days
• Freezer: Freeze without orzo; add fresh when reheating

Nutrition (Per Serving – 4 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	312
Protein	22g
Carbs	34g
Fat	10g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	780mg
Sugar	4g

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