Warming, hearty and full of fresh flavors, this lemon orzo chicken soup is all kinds of delicious. Simple to make in one pot, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Lemon Chicken Soup
I know that you are going to adore this fresh and vibrant soup. Simple to make and so hearty, this lemon orzo chicken soup is perfect to enjoy all year round.
Made with chicken thighs, the broth has bold flavors of lemon and parsley and orzo pasta make this a filling meal.
Be sure to try my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup and Chicken Wild Rice Soup too!
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
How to make lemon orzo chicken soup
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Cook the chicken with the seasonings until no longer pink. Set aside.
- Cook the veggies until soft.
- Add in the broth and bring to a boil.
- Add in the orzo and cook til soft.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest and add the chicken back to the pot.
- Serve!
Can you make this with chicken breast?
Yes! You can make this recipe with chicken breast instead of thigh if you prefer. The recipe remains the same. If you have some cooked shredded chicken to use up, you can simple stir that in just before serving.
Can you make this ahead of time?
If you have leftovers, they will keep well in the fridge for 4 day. The orzo pasta however will start to absorb the liquid and become mushy, though it will still be good to eat.
If you are planning to make this ahead of time, it’s best not to add the orzo until you are closer to serving so it stays firmer.
Can you use other pastas?
I love the smaller grains of orzo in this soup, it pairs wonderfully with the light and flavorful broth. You can however use other pastas if that’s what you have to hand. A short pasta like elbow would work great.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Make this soup in a heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. It will distribute the heat more evenly and is less likely to scorch the bottom.
- Feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms if you like.
- If making ahead of time, don’t add in the orzo until you are ready to serve.
This lemon orzo chicken soup recipe is so quick and easy to make and hearty and refreshing all at the same time. I just know you will love this!
Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup Recipe
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper add more if you like spice
- 2 medium carrots chopped (~1 cup)
- 2 celery stalks chopped (~ 1 cup)
- 1 onion chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1¼ cup Orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter, chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook everything together until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Take the chicken out and set aside for now.3 tablespoons salted butter, 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Melt the other 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pot, then add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until softened.3 tablespoons salted butter, 2 medium carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion
- Add chicken broth to the pot. Bring the stock mixture to a boil.6 cups chicken broth
- Pour in the orzo pasta and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.1¼ cup Orzo pasta
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, and return chicken to the pot. Stir everything together.2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Serve and enjoy with chopped parsley as a garnish.Chopped parsley
Notes
- Make this soup in a heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. It will distribute the heat more evenly and is less likely to scorch the bottom.
- Feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms if you like.
- If making ahead of time, don’t add in the orzo until you are ready to serve.
Kimberly Masterson says
I used skinless boneless thighs..I doubled everything and my family absolutely loved it..my one year old grandson totally enjoyed it too.
Becky Hardin says
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing, Kimberly!