Bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup garnished with lemon slices, carrots, and herbs in a white bowl.”

The BEST Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

by

Light, Comforting, and Bursting with Fresh Lemon Flavor 🍋✨

When you’re craving comfort without the heaviness, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the answer! Tender shredded chicken, bright lemon, and perfectly cooked orzo come together in a silky, flavorful broth that’s both cozy and refreshing. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and ready in under 40 minutes perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a soothing, nourishing bowl. Light, hearty, and loaded with protein, this soup is the perfect balance of fresh and comforting! 🌿

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients List

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • ¾ cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for color and nutrition)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Citrus zester or grater

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic & herbs: Stir in garlic and oregano; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 🧄
  3. Build the soup base: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add orzo and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add chicken & lemon: Stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. 🍋
  5. Finish & serve: Stir in spinach (if using) until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Pro tip: The broth should be bright and slightly tangy the lemon is the star!

Pro Tips

  • Meal prep magic: Store in the fridge up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to refresh the orzo.
  • Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup Greek yogurt or light cream for a silky finish.
  • Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and add chickpeas instead of chicken.
  • Freezer tip: Freeze without the orzo add it fresh when reheating for perfect texture.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl31028g28g9g3g4g