The Ultimate Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe You’ll Fall in Love With

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to soothe the soul, and Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup does it with a refreshing twist. This vibrant, cozy, and hearty dish combines tender chicken, comforting orzo pasta, and a zing of lemon in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a light but satisfying dinner, or want a new way to enjoy chicken soup—this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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What is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends shredded chicken, vegetables, and small rice-shaped pasta (orzo) in a savory broth. What makes it special is the fresh lemon juice and zest, which brighten the soup and give it a tangy, refreshing flavor. Finished with creamy hints and leafy spinach, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love It

• Light and Zesty – The lemon flavor is both comforting and revitalizing.
• Hearty yet Healthy – Packed with lean protein, veggies, and tender pasta.
• Easy One-Pot Meal – Less mess, more flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Variations

You can easily adapt this soup to your preferences:

• Make it dairy-free: Omit the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Use rotisserie chicken: A time-saving shortcut.
• Add more greens: Kale or Swiss chard work well instead of spinach.
• Swap the orzo: Use brown rice, ditalini, or even quinoa for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• A simple green salad
• A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan on top
• Extra lemon wedges on the side

Ingredients

(Yields 6 servings)

• 1½ tablespoons butter (20g)
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup onion, diced (about 1 small onion)
• 1 cup carrots, diced (2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup celery, diced (2 ribs)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (2 liters)
• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (680g)
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta (200g)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ⅓ cup heavy cream, slightly warmed (80ml)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (15g)
• ½ (8 oz) package baby spinach leaves
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

1. Sauté the veggies

• In a large soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Add broth and chicken

• Pour in chicken broth, then add chicken breasts, bouillon paste, Italian seasoning, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a gentle boil.

3. Simmer and cook orzo

• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes until al dente.

4. Add finishing touches

• Stir in lemon juice, zest, warmed cream, fresh parsley, and spinach. Let the spinach wilt for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve

• Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan and lemon slices if desired.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prep the vegetables and cook the chicken a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze without the cream or spinach for up to 2 months. Add those in after reheating.
• Reheat Gently: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition per Serving

Based on 6 servings:

• Calories: 399kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 444mg
• Potassium: 930mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Final Thoughts

• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup brings the best of comfort and brightness together in a single bowl. With its nourishing broth, hearty chicken, and uplifting citrus notes, it’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and cozy weekend meals. Make a big batch—you’ll be glad you did.
• Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.