Dinner

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

ByHarper Ellington January 3, 2026January 3, 2026

Introduction

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a bright and comforting dish perfect for any season. Combining tender chicken, fresh lemon, and delicate orzo pasta, it delivers a fresh twist on classic chicken soup that’s quick and easy to make.

The image shows a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup with clear broth. The soup has visible shredded chicken pieces, thin yellow noodles, bright orange carrot slices, and small green herb leaves floating throughout. It is served in a white bowl resting on a white marbled surface, with a spoon placed inside the bowl on the right side. The steam rising from the soup adds a sense of warmth and freshness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta
2 large fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
1 cup carrots (diced)
1 cup celery (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8 minutes, until al dente.
Step 4: Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped herbs to brighten the flavors.
Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed; simmer for another couple of minutes.
Step 6: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with additional herbs if desired, and enjoy hot.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a vibrant flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but use about 1 teaspoon.
For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
To make it heartier, add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
Leftover chicken can be shredded and added instead of raw chicken to save time.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup as the orzo tends to absorb liquid. This soup is best enjoyed fresh, as the pasta can become mushy after prolonged storage.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a bowl of chicken noodle soup with steam rising. The soup has a light yellow broth filled with shredded white chicken pieces, thin noodles, sliced orange carrots, small yellow corn kernels, and green herbs scattered throughout. A silver spoon is inside the bowl, partially submerged in the soup with its handle resting on the edge. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through without becoming too soft.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

You can replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding plenty of lemon and fresh herbs will keep the soup bright and flavorful.

Harper Ellington