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.
Notes
Storage, Freezer & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Freezer: Best frozen without the orzo, as pasta softens after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with an extra splash of broth or water to loosen the soup. Best texture tip: If meal prepping, cook and store the orzo separately for the freshest texture.What To Serve With It
Simple: Warm crusty bread or buttered toast. Family Dinner: A simple green salad or cucumber salad on the side. Cozy Weekend Lunch: Serve with toasted sourdough and a little grated Parmesan. For entertaining: Pair with a fresh arugula salad and finish with Lemon Ricotta Cake for dessert.Easy Variations
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream for a richer, silkier broth.
- Add more vegetables: Zucchini, peas, or kale work beautifully.
- Swap the pasta: Tiny pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work too.
- Make it heartier: Add extra chicken or a handful of white beans.
- Add gentle spice: A pinch of chili flakes gives subtle warmth.