Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup? This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect marriage of hearty and refreshing. With tender chicken, vibrant lemon, and delicate orzo, this soup is both light enough for spring and satisfying enough for winter. Whether you’re under the weather or just in need of a cozy meal, this recipe is a keeper.
Let’s dive into this bowl of sunshine—don’t forget to subscribe for more comforting recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Bright & Zesty: The lemon juice and zest add a refreshing twist to this classic chicken soup.
- Hearty Yet Light: The orzo and chicken make it filling without feeling heavy.
- Easy to Make: With just one pot and 30 minutes, dinner is ready!
- Versatile: Perfect as a starter, lunch, or light dinner—and great for meal prep.
What Does It Taste Like?
This soup strikes a beautiful balance between earthy and vibrant. The tender chicken and orzo create a comforting base, while the lemon zest and juice brighten every bite. Subtle herbal notes from thyme and basil round out the flavor profile, and the spinach adds a pop of freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Citrus zester
- Ladle for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside if desired for easier layering later, but this step is optional!
2. Cook the Aromatics
To the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Build the Base
Pour in chicken broth, and add orzo, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
5. Add Freshness
Stir in chopped spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the flavors meld together.
6. Serve & Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
What to Serve with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing complement.
- Grilled Vegetables: For an extra serving of veggies.
Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: It cooks quickly and can become mushy if left in the soup too long. Consider cooking it separately and adding it at the end.
- Adjust Lemon to Taste: Start with half the lemon juice, then add more to suit your preference.
- Boost the Veggies: Add carrots, celery, or zucchini for more texture and nutrients.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezer: The soup can be frozen without the orzo (to avoid mushiness). Add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred rotisserie chicken and add it during the simmering step to save time.
2. Can I substitute the orzo?
Absolutely—try small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice for a gluten-free option.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Craving More Comfort?
If you loved this soup, try these next:
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 🥣
- Lemony Chickpea Stew with Spinach 🥬
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup 🍜
Share Your Creations!
Did you make this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup? Snap a photo and share it with me on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your delicious bowls.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is guaranteed to brighten your day—one spoonful at a time! ❤️
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: A Cozy, Zesty Bowl of Comfort
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup baby spinach chopped
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
- Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Citrus zester
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside if desired for easier layering later, but this step is optional!
- Cook the Aromatics
- To the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Base
- Pour in chicken broth, and add orzo, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer to Perfection
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add Freshness
- Stir in chopped spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the flavors meld together.
- Serve & Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 12g
