Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a bright and comforting one-pot meal made with tender chicken breasts, delicate orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a vibrant lemon-infused broth. This wholesome soup is light yet satisfying, combining savory herbs, aromatic garlic, and fresh parsley for a balanced, family-friendly dish perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots, and onion, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour completely and create a smooth base.
- Add Italian seasoning and whole chicken breasts. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until al dente.
- Remove the chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, adding extra lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Cook orzo separately if making ahead to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.
- Add extra chicken broth when reheating leftovers to adjust consistency.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor.
- For a creamier variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Freeze without the orzo for best texture after thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, chicken orzo soup, lemon chicken soup, one pot soup, healthy chicken soup, Mediterranean soup, comfort food recipe