Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces orzo pasta; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 3 medium carrots, chopped, or more to taste; 3 ribs celery, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme; 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 1 bay leaf; 3 (32 ounce) cartons fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth; 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 lemon, zested; 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped; 1 (8 ounce) package baby spinach leaves; 1 lemon, sliced for garnish; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This comforting lemon chicken orzo soup recipe will brighten up even the gloomiest winter day. Heres everything you need to make this flavorful and hearty dish:

Ingredients:

8 ounces orzo pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
teaspoon dried thyme
teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
3 (32 ounce) cartons fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
cup fresh lemon juice
1 lemon, zested
8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped
1 (8 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
1 lemon, sliced for garnish (Optional)
cup grated Parmesan cheese (Optional)

Directions:

Follow these simple steps to make your lemon chicken orzo soup:

Step 1: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it is partially cooked but not soft. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
Step 4: Season the vegetable mixture with dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to bring out the flavors.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, increase the heat, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Stir in the cooked orzo, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and the chopped chicken. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken and orzo are heated through.
Step 7: Add the baby spinach leaves and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted into the broth and the orzo is fully tender.
Step 8: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

What to Serve With Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup:

This soup pairs beautifully with fresh French bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup:

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 167
Fat: 4g (5% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 2g (8% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 20mg (7% Daily Value)
Sodium: 187mg (8% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 22g (8% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 12g (24% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 20mg (23% Daily Value)
Calcium: 69mg (5% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (9% Daily Value)
Potassium: 321mg (7% Daily Value)

Enjoy this bright and flavorful soup for a comforting meal any time of year!

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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FAQ about Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Store leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing the soup, but keep in mind that the orzo may absorb the broth over time.

Yes, you can freeze the soup. However, the orzo will continue to absorb the broth, and the soup may become thicker upon reheating. To avoid this, you can freeze the soup without the orzo and cook the orzo separately when you're ready to serve.

If you don't have orzo, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even rice. Keep in mind that rice will absorb more broth than orzo, so you may need to add extra liquid when reheating.

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup as you would cooked chicken breast. It will save you time while still adding delicious flavor.

Yes, you can easily add other vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or peas to the soup. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so that the vegetables are tender but not overcooked.

If you want to avoid the orzo absorbing too much of the broth, you can either cook the orzo separately and add it to individual bowls before ladling the soup over it, or you can add a little extra broth when storing the soup for leftovers.

Yes, you can make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in a slow cooker. Cook the soup on low for 4-6 hours, adding the orzo in the last 10-15 minutes to prevent it from becoming too soft.

If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon juice or zest to taste. Start with an extra tablespoon of lemon juice and adjust as needed.

Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

To reheat the soup, you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Comments

Paul Harris

06/29/2024 09:59:35 AM

I had been craving Panera Bread's Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, which is only served in the summer, for 2 months and couldn't find it anywhere. I stumbled upon this recipe and it absolutely captured the essence of the soup! It was fantastic and exactly what I had been searching for. So flavorful, light, and with a great lemony taste. I even made homemade croutons to sprinkle on top and added some shaved parmesan just before serving. My family absolutely loved it. The only changes I made were cutting the vegetables into smaller pieces since I prefer it that way, and I cooked the soup in a crockpot. I added the uncooked orzo and it cooked perfectly in no time. I can't praise this soup enough!

Steven Gomez

12/26/2023 01:54:56 PM

I wish I could say that I followed the recipe exactly, but I had to improvise since I was missing a few ingredients. I substituted broth with a mixture of chicken bouillon and vegetable bouillon, as I was out of celery and had only half an onion. I cooked the chicken and orzo in this makeshift broth and added just a tablespoon of lemon juice to cater to my husband's preference. He tried the soup and enjoyed it! I'll definitely make it again, hopefully with all the proper ingredients next time.

Larry Gomez

05/04/2025 07:30:26 PM

Absolutely delicious! My only suggestion would be to not pre-cook the orzo. Since orzo cooks so quickly, you can simply add it uncooked to the recipe when you add the chicken. It will be perfectly cooked in less than 10 minutes along with everything else.

Samantha Gomez

12/31/2022 08:37:24 AM

End of summer, the beginning of football season delight! Don't forget to add the orzo and spinach last for that chef's kiss touch! This recipe is easy to follow. I used a whole rotisserie chicken in the slow cooker for 4 hours on high, removed the skins and bones, and ended up with a beautiful soup!

Thomas Jones

04/07/2025 01:35:56 PM

I was absolutely thrilled with this soup! The flavor profile is exceptional: the zesty lemon enhances the rich chicken broth, creating a comforting yet lively experience with every spoonful. The orzo maintained a perfect al dente texture, while the chicken was tender and flavorful. The thyme and oregano provided a deep, complementary taste without overshadowing the citrus notes. Visually, the soup was stunning with its golden broth and vibrant pops of orange carrot and green spinach. The addition of a lemon slice and a sprinkle of Parmesan gave it a professional, high-end appearance. This soup strikes a wonderful balance between being light and satisfyingly hearty—I definitely plan on making it again!

Susan Roberts

06/06/2023 04:21:24 PM

Rewritten Review: I can't say enough good things about the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup - it's simply outstanding! The combination of flavors is spot on; the zesty lemon provides a refreshing citrus kick that perfectly complements the rich and savory broth. The chicken is tender and practically melts in your mouth, and the orzo pasta retains a delightful al dente texture in the soup. It's the ultimate comfort food experience with each spoonful. The lemon-infused broth strikes the ideal balance between tangy and subtle, making it incredibly satisfying. The veggies offer great crunch and nutrition, while the herbs enhance the lemony essence without overshadowing it. Visually, this soup is a showstopper! The vibrant golden broth is irresistible, and the mix of white orzo, green herbs, and colorful vegetables make for a stunning presentation. It's a feast for the eyes and tastes as good as it looks. Plus, topping it off with fresh herbs adds a professional flair. This soup has quickly become a household favorite and will be a regular feature on our dinner table. It's simple to whip up, bursting with flavor, and a delight to serve. I highly recommend it!

Ruth Rodriguez

01/06/2025 12:37:51 AM

This soup is incredibly delicious, definitely worth keeping.

Alexander Anderson

03/05/2025 02:11:52 AM

The Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup was an absolute delight! The flavors were perfectly harmonized, with just the right hint of lemon and rich chicken broth. The orzo provided a lovely texture that enhanced the soup beautifully. Visually, the dish was stunning, with vibrant colors from the fresh herbs and vegetables. A definite 5-star meal that I enthusiastically recommend to anyone seeking a comforting and delicious dining experience.

audio version

Cook Time: 100 minutes