Description

The Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and refreshing dish combining tender shredded chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and a bright lemony broth. This soup brings together savory aromatics, fresh herbs, and wholesome vegetables in a quick and easy meal, perfect for chilly days or when you desire a light yet satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breasts

Pasta

1 cup orzo pasta

Liquids

6 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped

Fats

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Herbs and Seasonings

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts in simmering salted water or broth until fully cooked and tender. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy spooning later.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter and sauté chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant, creating a rich flavor base for your soup.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer to deepen the flavors, allowing the vegetables to become tender.
Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the simmering broth and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Stir in Chicken and Lemon: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to combine and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the soup from heat and sprinkle in chopped parsley or dill for a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens every serving.

Notes

Use homemade broth for the richest flavor or choose a high-quality store-bought chicken broth.
Add lemon juice gradually to avoid overpowering the soup.
Optionally, cook orzo separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
Do not overcook the vegetables; keep carrots and celery slightly firm for texture.
Add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their bright, fresh flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, chicken soup, easy soup recipe, comforting soup, gluten-free soup option, quick dinner