Print

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon chicken orzo soup with tender chicken and vegetables in lemony broth
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A bright and comforting one-pot soup featuring tender chicken, cheerful yellow orzo, and vegetables in a lemony broth. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s both nourishing and quick to make, perfect for weeknights or when you need a cozy pick-me-up.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Zest and juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/3 cup juice)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves. Increase heat to bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Carefully add whole chicken to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Remove chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
  6. Add uncooked orzo to the simmering broth. Cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente.
  7. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Remove pot from heat.
  8. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add lemon juice off the heat to preserve its bright flavor. The orzo will absorb broth as it sits; have extra broth on hand for leftovers. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Add spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra veggies.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-2/