Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup (Printable Version)

A vibrant Mediterranean soup combining tender chicken, fresh lemon, and orzo pasta with aromatic vegetables for a nourishing, easy meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced, about 3 tablespoons juice
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Pantry and Grains

09 - 3/4 cup orzo pasta
10 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Seasonings

12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

→ Optional

16 - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
04 - Add orzo and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is just tender.
05 - Add cooked chicken, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to heat through.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in dill, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It pulls together in under an hour, using ingredients you likely already have or can easily grab.
  • The lemon keeps it from feeling heavy, so you finish a bowl feeling nourished, not weighed down.
  • It tastes like you fussed, but you didn't.
02 -
  • Don't add the lemon juice too early or it can turn bitter; wait until the end when the heat is gentle.
  • If the orzo sits too long, it will soak up all the broth; add a splash of water or extra broth when reheating leftovers.
03 -
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time, and don't be shy with the lemon; it's what makes this soup shine.
  • Taste before serving and adjust the salt and acid; a little extra squeeze of lemon at the end can transform the whole bowl.
Return