Description
This lemon chicken orzo soup is cozy, refreshing, and full of flavor. Tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh veggies, and a splash of lemon come together in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving comfort food that feels light and nourishing.
Ingredients
2 sticks celery, chopped finely
2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
1 cup uncooked orzo
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; sauté until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour and stir until absorbed. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring well.
Add chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return it to the pot.
Stir in orzo and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
Add lemon juice and parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use shredded rotisserie chicken and add it near the end.
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Freeze soup without the orzo for best texture; add pasta fresh when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: lemon chicken orzo soup, chicken soup, cozy soup recipes, Mediterranean soup, easy dinner