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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Antoniak and Photos by Bake and Bacon
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.
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) *see notes for raw chicken
- 1/2 bag of spinach
Instructions
- Prepare veggies as needed.
- In a large dutch oven or sauce pan, heat avocado oil.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery to pan. Let cook for 5 minutes or until beginning to soften.
- Add in garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and the juice of three lemons. Cover with lid and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add in orzo and cooked chicken. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- 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.
Bake chicken in oven for 20 minutes at 400
Alternatively, add raw chicken breasts after step 5. Then take out and dice, then start step 6.
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Christie says
This soup was super easy and delicious!! I threw the vegetables in a food processor just to cut the prep time and it turned out super yummy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Christie, I’m so glad you liked the soup!! Just made it yesterday too!!
nikki says
one of the best soups i have made! So good with lemony, perfect for the fall and super simple. i use the Banza rice as the “orzo”. A+
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nikki, I am so glad you liked it!!
Courtney says
Easy and delicious! Will definitely be making it again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Courtney, so glad you loved the soup!!
Katie says
This was so good!! A great early fall recipe to make and super simple! Made a ton of yummy leftovers 🤩
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, so glad you loved it!
Kelli says
This soup is amazing!!! It’s like an elevated chicken noodle. It is now a staple piece in our home. So so good!
Also I boiled chicken by itself while the other stuff was cooking then shredded it and it turned out great!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelli, so glad you loved the soup so much!!
Alyssa says
This soup is SO delicious! And so easy. I am a full time student with little free time, but I was able to whip this up within 30 minutes. So hearty and healthy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alyssa, so happy you loved it!!
jess says
Better than Panera!
I know many people will disagree, but I am a soup all year round person. What I love most about this recipe is that it is nutritious, hearty, and filling while still being light. The lemon is [chef’s kiss]. Thank you Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jess, so happy you love it so much!! 🙂
Tabitha Schilson says
Anyone use rice in a pinch?
Tabitha Schilson says
Used 1 Cup of rice and it was awesome! The taste was so good! If you use rice note that 1 Cup thickened the soup ALOT so try less if wanting more of a soup☺️
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Tabitha, so happy you loved it and made it your own! Thanks for the tip!!
Leia says
This soup was so good! It was hearty and bright! Definitely made me feel better when I wanted something cozy! I would do less orzo and more broth next time.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Leia, so happy you loved it!!
Sarah says
This is now our most favorite soup to make! It’s replaced classic chicken noodle in our house! Somehow it is both hearty and filling, while being light and deliciously flavored! Just the right hint of lemon, healthy, and also comfort all in one delicious bowl! Super easy to throw together and inexpensive ingredients!!! Definitely rotating this again in the fall!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, I am so glad you loved it!!
Kylie says
This is on of my favorite meals! I’ve been making it at least once a month for the past few months. So yummy & we always have the ingredients on hand. Thank you, Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kylie, so glad you love the soup! Thanks for sharing!
Meaghan says
Made this soup because my boyfriend was feeling under the weather, and this hit the spot! The perfect combo of being tangy and refreshing! Can’t wait to make it again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Meaghan, so glad you loved it!
Charish says
Wow!! All I can say is, wow! This soup was such a hit with my family and me! I’ve already made it 3x and I already know next time I make soup it’s gonna be this one!! I’ve made quite a bit of your recipes and girl!! They have NOT disappointed me! Keep up the awesome work!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Charish, so glad everyone loved it!
Kim says
Made this soup for easy weekday lunches. So flavorful and hearty. My boyfriend loved the dish and was excited to have leftovers. Definitely will be putting this into our soup rotation.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kim, so glad you both loved it!!
Lily says
This soup was full of flavor, easy to make and everyone loved it!!! I made it on the stove top but would definitely try on the crockpot too!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lily, so happy you loved it! 🙂
Kelly Gausch says
Simple and easy! I’ve recommended this to friends and family. Great to make for lunches for the week!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelly, so glad to hear that!!
Molly says
Loved this recipe! It was like an upgraded chicken noodle soup with the fresh lemon and orzo. Perfect for colder weather!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Molly, I am so glad you loved it!!
Lisa Vandetty says
So delicious and filling!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lisa, so glad you liked it!!
Brittany says
From someone who is a picky eater, this soup was great! So easy to make! Will definitely be making again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Brittany, so happy you enjoyed it!!
Jordan says
Stop reading this review and go make this soup!!! This is an absolute winner and perfect all year round. This will be my new go to when bringing someone food and will be a regular in our soup rotation!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jordan, I am thrilled you loved it!! Thanks for sharing!