Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, vegetables, and fresh lemon in a light, comforting broth. A quick, cozy soup recipe perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth, or more if needed
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme, or to taste
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 handful fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Build the Base: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Orzo: Once the broth is boiling, add the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and fresh spinach (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is warmed through, and the spinach is wilted.
- Add Lemon and Seasoning: Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.