If you’re looking for a comforting bowl that’s both bright and nourishing, you’ve got to try this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, all swimming in a zesty lemon-infused broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing, making it a staple to turn to whenever you want something satisfying yet light. Trust me, once you make this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe, it’s going to become one of those favorites you’ll want to share with everyone close to you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each component brings something unique to the pot, creating a dish that is colorful, tasty, and satisfying from the first spoonful to the last.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped finely): Adds a subtle crunch and fresh aroma that balances the soup’s richness.
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled & chopped finely): Bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the broth.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Builds a savory base that makes the soup deeply comforting.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the sautéed vegetables with a smooth, luscious flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the vegetables and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with a mild pungency that enhances all other flavors.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Thicken the broth slightly to give it a lovely, velvety texture.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): Forms the heart of the soup, bringing warmth and depth.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): Lightly seasons the soup with a hint of fragrant herbs.
- Chicken breasts (1.5 pounds, uncooked): Provide tender protein that soaks up the lemony broth beautifully.
- Orzo (1 cup, uncooked): Small pasta pearls that add delightful bite and absorb flavors perfectly.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon or to taste): Brightens the soup with zesty citrus notes.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped or to taste): Adds a fresh herbal finish and eye-catching greenery.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by warming your butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion, and let them cook together for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and start to develop that inviting sweet aroma. This step is key for building the soup’s flavorful foundation.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Now, toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for 30 seconds just to awaken its fragrance without letting it burn. Next, sprinkle in the flour — this little addition will help thicken the soup right as it cooks. Let it cook for another minute to take away the raw flour taste and start the magic of thickening.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Add Chicken
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously so the flour dissolves completely without lumps. Then, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning for that subtle herbal touch. Add the uncooked chicken breasts directly into the pot. Bring everything up to a boil and prepare to simmer your way toward comfort.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let the soup gently simmer for 15 minutes, giving the chicken time to cook through and release its tender juices into the broth. This slow simmer is where the flavors begin to harmonize beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Once the chicken is nearly cooked, stir in the orzo. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. The orzo will plump up, soak up the lemony broth, and make every spoonful texturally delightful.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Carefully remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board, chop them into bite-sized pieces, and return them to the pot. Stir in the bright lemon juice — feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste, as that zesty brightness really lifts the soup. Finish with fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper as you like. Serve the soup piping hot and enjoy the comforting, citrusy goodness!
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top makes a simple garnish that adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. You could also add a few twists of black pepper or thin lemon zest ribbons for that extra punch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of bread or a light salad. A warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the broth, soaking up all those delicious flavors. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s brightness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in charming bowls with a lemon wedge on the side, letting each guest add their own burst of citrus. For a rustic touch, ladle it into warmed mugs for an on-the-go cozy treat. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or parmesan on top for a gourmet twist that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the orzo absorbs liquid over time, the soup might thicken; just add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind orzo tends to expand and change texture during freezing and thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the orzo, then cook fresh orzo when you reheat. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When reheating on the stove, warm the soup gently over medium heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened, add a little broth or water to loosen it back up. Adjust seasoning and lemon juice after reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a richer, slightly more succulent texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times since thighs can sometimes take a bit longer to cook through.
Is orzo the only pasta I can use in this soup?
Not at all! While orzo is traditional and perfect for this soup’s texture, you can swap it for other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even small macaroni. Just watch the cooking time as different shapes may cook faster or slower.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To keep it dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. The soup will still have plenty of flavor and richness without butter.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
You could adapt the recipe by using vegetable broth and skipping the chicken; adding hearty beans or tofu will boost protein. However, the classic Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe really shines with its tender chicken and savory broth.
What’s the best way to get that fresh lemon flavor without overpowering the soup?
Start by adding just a tablespoon of lemon juice and taste before adding more. You want the lemon to brighten the flavors, not dominate. Fresh lemon zest can also add subtle bursts of citrus without overwhelming the broth.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe enough for anyone craving comfort food with a fresh twist. The way the lemon lifts the rich chicken and hearty orzo is pure magic, and the whole family will love it! Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again.
Print
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and orzo pasta in a bright, lemon-infused chicken broth. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and offers a balanced blend of protein, vegetables, and carbs with a refreshing citrus twist.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Base and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onions, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to become fragrant.
- Add garlic and flour: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add broth and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour. Add the Italian seasoning and place the chicken breasts into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil to start cooking the chicken through.
- Simmer with lid ajar: Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Cook the orzo: Remove the lid and stir in the uncooked orzo. Continue simmering the soup uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.
- Shred chicken and finish soup: Remove the chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and return the pieces to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup immediately, enjoying the bright lemony flavor.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add extra lemon juice to taste at the end.
- Stirring the orzo frequently while cooking helps prevent it from sticking to the pot’s bottom.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken breasts in a pinch for faster preparation.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasonings adding gradually to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop.
