Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 sticks celery (chopped finely); 2 carrots (medium, peeled & chopped finely); 1/2 medium onion (chopped); 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning; 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup orzo (uncooked); 1 tbsp lemon juice (plus more to taste); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, plus more to taste); salt & pepper (to taste)

Table of Contents

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Why You’ll Crave Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A Heartwarming Bowl with Zing

When the weather turns chilly or your mood needs a little lift, lemon chicken orzo soup delivers comfort with a vibrant twist. This isn’t just another chicken soup it’s a soul-warming remedy with bright citrus that balances rich, savory broth.

Unlike heavier soups, this one fits right into a low-carb summer dinner plan, thanks to its lean protein and fresh greens.

One taste of this lemon chicken orzo soup and you’ll see why it’s become a beloved go-to during sick days, chilly nights, or when you just need something wholesome and healing.

Orzo vs. Rice: Why This Pasta Wins

You might be wondering why choose orzo for lemon chicken orzo soup?

Orzo is the secret weapon here. This small, rice-shaped pasta holds its structure better than traditional rice, soaking up all the chicken broth goodness without getting mushy. It gives the soup a creamy, risotto-like texture and makes each bite feel substantial yet not heavy.

Because orzo blends beautifully with the lemony broth and savory chicken, it helps make lemon chicken orzo soup incredibly satisfying without needing cream or flour to thicken.

It’s the kind of soup you crave again and again light, flavorful, and just plain comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, Fresh, and Flavor-Packed

Everything in this lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is straightforward no fancy ingredients, just pantry staples and fresh produce. If you’re a fan of homemade flavor, elevate the soup base by starting with homemade chicken broth or pair this dish with something light and bright like tea with ginger, honey, and lemon for a nourishing boost.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Olive Oil	1 tbsp	Sauté base for vegetables
Carrots	2 large (200g)	Natural sweetness, beautiful color
Celery	5 stalks (200g)	Adds crunch and balances sweetness
Yellow Onion	1 large (200g)	Savory backbone of the soup’s flavor
Chicken Breast	2 lbs	Tender, lean protein for the soup
Chicken Broth	64 oz	The flavorful foundation of lemon chicken orzo soup
Orzo Pasta	200g (1 heaping cup)	Creamy texture and adds satisfying body
Kale	4 handfuls (150g)	Boosts nutrition and color
Italian Seasoning	1 tsp	Aromatic blend to deepen flavor
Oregano	½ tsp	Pairs perfectly with lemon and chicken
Dried Dill	¼ tsp	Light herb that enhances the lemon notes
Lemon (fresh)	1	Brightens and defines the soup’s signature flavor
Salt & Pepper	To taste	Enhances and balances flavors

Kitchen Hack: Want even faster lemon chicken orzo soup? Use leftover rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking time same comfort, less effort.

Ingredient Swaps & Add-ins (Optional)

Spinach instead of kale: more delicate and quicker to wilt
Quinoa or gluten-free pasta instead of orzo: perfect for dietary needs
Parmesan rind during simmer: adds depth to the broth
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley at the end: boost freshness

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Instructions for Success

This lemon chicken orzo soup is not just easy it’s practically foolproof. Whether you’re using a stovetop or Instant Pot, the process is quick, simple, and results in a pot of soup that’s bursting with cozy flavor.

Want to save even more time? You can use ideas from our leftover rotisserie chicken recipes instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. It’s a clever shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or flavor.

A close-up shot of freshly cooked chicken breast being shredded on a wooden cutting board — Moist chicken breast being pulled apart with two forks for use in lemon chicken orzo soup

Here’s exactly how to make it:

Stovetop Method

Sauté the veggies
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced carrots, celery, onion, a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the onion turns translucent and vegetables soften.
Add chicken and broth
Place chicken breasts right on top of the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian seasoning, oregano, and dried dill. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Simmer until tender
Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Add the orzo and kale
Stir in the orzo and chopped kale. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
Finish with lemon
Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon (more if you love citrus). Add lemon zest for extra zing. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

A partially overhead shot of lemon chicken orzo soup simmering in a Dutch oven — A partially overhead view of lemon chicken orzo soup mid-simmer with orzo, shredded chicken, kale, and diced carrots in golden broth

Pro Tip: Add the lemon juice after cooking to preserve its fresh, tangy flavor.

Instant Pot Instructions

Use the Sauté function to cook onions, celery, carrots, salt, and pepper in olive oil until softened.
Add the chicken, broth, and seasonings. Set to Manual or Soup Mode for 15 minutes.
Quick release the pressure, remove chicken, shred it, and return to pot.
Add orzo and kale. Pressure cook for 1 minute more, then quick release again.
Stir in lemon juice and zest. Serve hot!

Serving Tips & Storage

This lemon chicken orzo soup is best enjoyed hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers. You can garnish it with fresh dill or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Orzo will continue absorbing broth, so add extra broth or water when reheating.

Freezer-Friendly Tip: For freezing, cook the orzo separately and add it when reheating. This keeps the pasta from turning mushy.

Nutrition Facts & Delicious Variations

Health Benefits of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This lemon chicken orzo soup isn’t just tasty it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a wholesome meal choice. If you love the balance of citrus and herbs in this recipe, you might also enjoy the bold, bright flavors of our Greek lemon chicken with potatoes another dish that blends hearty simplicity with Mediterranean zest.

Nutrient	Benefit
Lean Chicken	High-quality protein, supports muscle and immunity
Orzo Pasta	Provides energy-boosting complex carbs
Kale	Loaded with vitamins A, C, K, and fiber
Lemon Juice	High in vitamin C, supports digestion and flavor
Carrots/Celery	Rich in antioxidants and adds fiber

A one-bowl serving (approx. 2 cups) has roughly:

Calories: 290–350
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g

This lemon chicken orzo soup is gluten-flexible, low-fat, and loaded with immune-boosting ingredients perfect for cold season or meal prepping.

Flavorful Variations Worth Trying

Make this soup your own! Try one of these delicious spin-offs:

Greek-Inspired

Add a beaten egg whisked with lemon juice (avgolemono-style) right before serving for extra creaminess just don’t boil once it’s in.

Garlic Lovers’ Version

Sauté 4–6 cloves of minced garlic with the onions for a deeper, more aromatic flavor base.

Spicy Kick

Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the veggies for heat that balances the lemon beautifully.

Rice Swap

Substitute orzo with white rice, brown rice, or even couscous. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Vegetarian Option

Replace chicken with canned white beans and use veggie broth it’s still bright, hearty, and packed with flavor.

Light, cozy and brightened with lemon, this one‑pot soup features tender chicken, soothing vegetables, and orzo pasta in a comforting broth—a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Soup

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 6 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Knife
Cutting Board

Ingredients

2 sticks celery chopped finely
2 carrots medium, peeled & chopped finely
1/2 medium onion chopped
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp flour
6 cups chicken broth
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orzo uncooked
1 tbsp lemon juice plus more to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, plus more to taste
salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté celery, carrots, and onion with butter and olive oil over medium‑high heat until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then stir in flour and cook for another minute.
Pour in chicken broth, stirring until the flour dissolves. Add Italian seasoning and chicken. Bring to a boil.
Cover (lid slightly open), reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, stirring often.
Remove chicken, slice or shred it, then return to pot. Stir in lemon juice, fresh parsley, and season with salt & pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

If making ahead or freezing, cook orzo separately and add when serving to prevent it from soaking up too much broth. You can substitute chicken thighs or pre‑cooked rotisserie chicken. Use low‑sodium broth to control salt.

Keyword Chicken, comfort food, Lemon, Orzo

FAQs

Can you put orzo in soup with chicken?

Absolutely! Orzo is a fantastic addition to chicken soup. It cooks quickly, holds its texture, and absorbs flavors beautifully. In lemon chicken orzo soup, the orzo adds a creamy, tender bite that pairs perfectly with the savory broth and shredded chicken.

Is chicken orzo good for you?

Yes! Chicken orzo soup is a nutrient-dense, protein-rich meal that offers a healthy balance of carbs, lean protein, and fiber especially when made with fresh veggies and low-sodium broth like in our lemon chicken orzo soup recipe.

Is avgolemono soup made with rice or orzo?

Traditional Greek avgolemono soup is typically made with rice, but orzo is a common and delicious substitute. Our lemon chicken orzo soup draws inspiration from avgolemono but uses orzo for a heartier, smoother finish.

What is in lemon chicken orzo soup?

Our homemade lemon chicken orzo soup includes tender chicken breast, carrots, celery, onion, kale, orzo pasta, Italian herbs, and fresh lemon juice all simmered in a savory chicken broth for maximum comfort and flavor.

What is the best broth for orzo?

Chicken broth is the top choice for orzo, especially in dishes like lemon chicken orzo soup. It adds richness and depth to the orzo as it cooks, making every bite more flavorful. Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt level.

How long can you boil orzo in chicken broth?

Orzo usually cooks in 8–10 minutes when simmered in chicken broth. In lemon chicken orzo soup, it’s best to add orzo toward the end so it stays firm and doesn’t overcook.

A Comfort Classic with a Zesty Twist

When you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, cozy, and guaranteed to lift spirits, lemon chicken orzo soup checks every box. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings together brightness from lemon, heartiness from chicken, and the smooth texture of orzo in a broth that’s both healing and satisfying.

Ready to warm up with something special? Try this recipe once, and it may just become your go-to for cold days, sick days, or when you’re craving something wholesome. And if you’re looking for more crowd-pleasing meals, check out our collection of easy sweets with 3 ingredients perfect for a light dessert pairing.

Perfect for weeknights, sick days, or meal prep, this soup is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try you’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so vibrant.