• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
freebie! download my top 8 dessert recipe ebook

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Erin Lives Whole

Healthy Eats + Delicious Treats

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Dessert
      • Soup
      • Sides
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sauces & Dips
    • Dessert Type
      • Bars & Balls
      • Breads & Muffins
      • Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Frozen
      • Pie & Cobbler
      • Other
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Paleo Friendly
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Method
      • 30 Minute or Less
      • Air Fryer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • No Bake
      • One Pot/Pan
      • Oven
      • Stove Top
    • Season
      • Fall
      • Holiday
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • All Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Shop
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Subscribe to receive latest recipes

    Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

  • Browse by Diet
    • Gluten-Free
    • Dairy-Free
    • Nut-Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
Home By Meal

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

★★★★★ 64 Reviews Recipe Print
df nf
By: ErinPosted: 1/14/21Updated: 1/14/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

lemon chicken orzo soup

For a meal that’s just as savory and filling as it is zesty and tangy, try this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup! Filled with delicious flavor agents and stocked with filling protein sources, this is a soup perfect for the entire family.

lemon chicken orzo soup

A perfect chicken orzo soup recipe

Are you looking for a soup that’s warm, cozy, full of protein, with a bit of a tangy flavor? Then this recipe is exactly what you need!

Lemon chicken orzo soup is a fantastic meal option for so many reasons. It’s loaded up with veggies (carrots, celery, onion), contains lots of flavor (lemon and garlic, anyone?), and it’s pretty easy to make!

Because it contains both orzo and chicken, this soup is filled with protein and carbs and gives you that cozy full feeling after just one serving. It’s a great weekday option, and the kiddos will love it too.

lemon chicken orzo soup

Ingredients in chicken and orzo soup

In addition to the chicken, lemon, and orzo ingredients as indicated by the recipe title, we will be using a few flavorings and ingredients to truly make this soup pop.

  • Carrot: First up for orzo soup we have carrots! You will need 4 sticks, peeled and chopped.
  • Celery: Similarly, chop 4 sticks of celery.
  • Onion: Finally for the veggies, diced up 1/2 of a large yellow onion.
  • Avocado oil: You will need about 2 tbsp of avocado oil to sauté the veggies before adding the other soup ingredients.
  • Garlic: As always, garlic! Include 3 minced cloves, or more to taste if preferred.
  • Seasonings: For flavor, add salt, pepper, and dried thyme in the amount of 1/2 tsp each.
  • Chicken stock: To create the liquid consistency of soup, we’ll be using 8 cups of chicken stock. You can also use vegetable stock if preferred.
  • Lemons: Lemons are the star of this dish, and the ingredient responsible for that delicious zesty, tangy flavor! We will use the juice of 3 lemons.
  • Orzo: Finally, the oomph! Measure out 1.5 cups of uncooked orzo.
  • Chicken breasts: Next up is the protein. We’ll be using 3 large chicken breasts. They will need to be cooked and diced into pieces before adding to the soup. You can use 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken if you want to skip the chicken-cooking step.
  • Spinach: Finally, add some greens by including 1/2 bag of spinach.
makings of lemon chicken orzo soup

Tools needed for this recipe

This recipe only requires four kitchen tools: a cutting board, chopping knife, dutch oven or sauce pan (with a lid), and a stirring utensil!

As for measuring ingredients, you’ll need four sizes: 1/2 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.

Easy enough, right?!

How to make lemon chicken orzo soup

For orzo soup I like to prep everything ahead of time, which means cutting the veggies and cooking the chicken. It just speeds up the entire process and makes dinner a breeze!

To begin, start by preparing the veggies as needed.

Next, heat the avocado oil in a large dutch oven or sauce pan.

Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pan and let cook for 5 minutes (or until they begin to soften).

Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook for another 3 minutes.

Then, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add the orzo and cooked chicken. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes to medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Turn off the heat and add the spinach. The soup will thicken as it sits.

making lemon chicken soup

What to serve with lemon orzo soup

Serving up your lemon chicken orzo soup course and wondering what to pair it with? Here are some ideas!

Salad

The soup and salad combo is a classic for a reason… it just pairs so unbelievably well together! Enjoy your soup alongside any of these delicious salads: Avocado Corn, Fall Harvest, or Pear!

Side Veggies

If you’re not feeling a salad, pair your soup with something that feels a bit heartier while also getting your greens in! Try one of these side dish favorites: Garlic Sesame Green Beans, Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, or snag the asparagus from this recipe!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Chicken often makes its way into my dinner meals, both for the flavor and the nutrition, but also for the versatility. You can cook it so many different ways! Dive into some of my favorites below.

  • Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan
  • Cranberry Chicken Casserole
  • Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
  • Healthy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
  • Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photography by Moriah Sawtelle

lemon chicken orzo soup
★★★★★ 5 from 64 reviews

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Prep: 20Cook: 30Total: 50 minutes
Yield 12 cups 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 4 carrot sticks, peeled and chopped
  • 4 celery sticks, chopped
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 3 lemons, juiced
  • 1.5 cups uncooked orzo
  • 3 large chicken breasts, cooked + diced into pieces (alternatively 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
  • 1/2 bag of spinach

Instructions

  1. Prepare veggies as needed.
  2. In a large dutch oven or sauce pan, heat avocado oil.
  3. Add onions, carrots, and celery to pan. Let cook for 5 minutes or until beginning to soften.
  4. Add in garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for another 3 minutes.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and the juice of three lemons. Cover with lid and bring to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, add in orzo and cooked chicken. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  7. Turn off heat and add in spinach. The soup will thicken as it sits. Serve!

Notes

Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freezer for longer.

Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: dinner, lunch, meal-prep, gluten-free, soupMethod: stovetopCuisine: American

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

erinliveswhole

There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

You May Also Like...

  • buffalo chicken soup
    Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup
  • baked potato cauliflower soup in bowl
    Baked Potato Cauliflower Soup
  • healthy chicken pot pie soup
    Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Dairy-Free)
  • One-Pan Baked Chicken Fajitas
free ebook

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

download now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Kristen says

    Posted on 1/29 at 9:15 pm

    sooo delicious! highly recommend!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/2 at 8:23 pm

      Hi Kristen, so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  2. Heather says

    Posted on 1/28 at 4:34 pm

    Can I make in the instant pot? Really excited to try this soup!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/28 at 8:11 pm

      Hi Heather, should be fine but the cooking time will probably need to be adjusted. Let me know how it comes out!!

      Reply
  3. Karen says

    Posted on 1/16 at 1:34 pm

    Very good soup . Loved it. Very good on this cold snowy day.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/19 at 9:43 am

      Hi Karen, so glad you loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  4. wendy says

    Posted on 1/16 at 11:33 am

    Made this comforting, delicious soup on a snowy day here! Sooo good! Thank you, Erin!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/19 at 9:42 am

      Hi Wendy, so glad you enjoyed the soup!!

      Reply
  5. Hayley says

    Posted on 1/5 at 2:09 pm

    This the perfect light, comforting soup. I made this for a meal prep and cooked and stored the pasta separately so it wouldn’t soak up all the broth through the week. It worked perfectly!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/6 at 9:54 pm

      Hi Hayley, so glad you loved it so much! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Katie P says

    Posted on 12/14 at 1:21 pm

    a nice balance of healthy and hearty for the winter months!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/14 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Katie, so happy you loved the soup!!

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hey there!

I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

Shop My Grocery Downloads

Do you head to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed with all of the options? Well, I've created FIVE downloadable and printable grocery lists from five different and popular grocery stores. All of my absolute must haves from Whole Foods, Target, a regular grocer, Trader Joe's, and Costco!

Shop Now

Popular Posts

chickpea brownie on a tray

Chickpea Brownies

bite out of healthy cookie dough ball

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls

cauliflower wings on plate

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

pouring syrup on stack of oatmeal blender pancakes

Oatmeal Blender Pancakes

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

Download Now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Trending Recipes

Avocado Corn Salad

cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

paleo cookie skillet with ice cream

Healthy Cookie Skillet

banana bread muffin on a rack

Paleo Banana Bread Muffins

Featured On

Get latest updates To your inbox!

Back to Top
© 2022 Erin Lives Whole
  • Privacy Policy
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled