Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe (Easy One-Pot Chicken Soup)
When the weather calls for something warm and comforting, this easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is always a great choice. Made in one pot with tender rotisserie chicken, vegetables, delicate orzo pasta, and plenty of fresh lemon, this healthy chicken soup is light, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The bright citrus flavor keeps it from feeling heavy, making it perfect for lunch or dinner any time of year.
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If you enjoy homemade soups that are simple to prepare, you might enjoy some of my other favorites soups including Easy On-Pot Vegetable Soup, Homemade French Onion Soup and Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup. Like this homemade lemon chicken orzo soup, these recipes are beginner-friendly and are made with everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
This Mediterranean-inspired soup combines the richness of chicken broth with the fresh, tangy flavor of lemon. The result is a healthy lemon chicken orzo soup that feels cozy without being overly heavy.
What are the health benefits of this soup?
This healthy lemon chicken orzo soup contains several nutritious ingredients:
- Chicken provides lean protein that helps keep you feeling satisfied.
- Carrots and celery add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Lemon juice contains vitamin C and adds fresh flavor without extra calories.
- Chicken broth provides hydration and warmth.
- Parsley and dill contribute antioxidants and fresh herbal flavor.
This wholesome lemon chicken soup with orzo is a balanced meal that combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one bowl.
RELATED: Indulge in a taste fiesta with this Chili’s Copycat Southwest Chicken Soup! Hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, this soul-warming delight features tender chicken, black beans, and hominy in a smoky chipotle broth. Spice it up and savor the Southwest in every comforting spoonful.
Ingredients you’ll need to make this one-pot soup recipe
- Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the vegetables and building flavor at the beginning of cooking.
- Yellow Onion – Adds savory depth and creates the flavor base for the soup.
- Carrots – Provide natural sweetness, color, and nutrition.
- Celery – Adds classic soup flavor and texture.
- Garlic – Brings aromatic flavor that complements the lemon and herbs.
- Chicken Broth – Forms the foundation of the soup and ties all the ingredients together.
- Dried Thyme – Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- Dried Dill – Pairs beautifully with lemon and chicken.
- Orzo Pasta – A small pasta that cooks quickly and gives the soup a hearty texture.
- Rotisserie Chicken – Keeps preparation fast and easy while adding protein.
- Fresh Lemons – The juice and zest provide the signature bright lemon flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Seasons the soup and bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of color before servin
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Soup
- Bright lemon flavor makes it stand out from traditional chicken soup.
- Made in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Ready in about 40 minutes.
- Uses convenient rotisserie chicken.
- Perfect for meal prep.
- Great for lunch or dinner.
- Freezer-friendly without the orzo.
- Packed with vegetables and protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making One-Pot Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup From Scratch
- Sauté the Vegetables – Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings – Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme and dill. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Orzo – Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook according to the package directions, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Chicken and Lemon – Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Finish and Serve – Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges and fresh dill if desired.
Make this NAME OF RECIPE, then check out my Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing, Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad, and Classic Waldorf Salad and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about this Lemon CHicken Orzo Soup recipe
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this soup, and how to store this soup
Can I use cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Any cooked shredded chicken works well in this recipe.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors become even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze lemon chicken orzo soup?
Yes, though the orzo may become softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the pasta and cook fresh orzo when serving.
Can I make this soup creamy?
Absolutely. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream near the end of cooking for a richer version.
What can I serve with lemon chicken orzo soup?
This soup pairs nicely with a green salad, crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple vegetable side dish.
Can I add spinach?
Yes. Fresh spinach is a great addition. Stir it in during the final few minutes of cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers of This Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The orzo will continue absorbing liquid as the soup sits. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the consistency.
For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
Save This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for Later
This easy one-pot lemon chicken orzo soup is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, comforting enough for chilly days, and packed with fresh flavors that make every bowl satisfying. If you’re not making it today, save it for later by pinning this healthy lemon chicken orzo soup recipe to your favorite Pinterest soup board so it’s ready whenever you’re craving a cozy homemade meal.
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 large lemons (juiced (about ⅓ cup))
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme and dill. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the orzo and cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with additional lemon wedges and fresh dill, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer soup, stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving.
- If you love extra lemon flavor, add the zest of a second lemon.
- The orzo will absorb broth as the soup sits. Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating leftovers to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition
Disclosure
Recipes and photos are for your personal enjoyment only — please share the love by linking, not copying!Other Chicken Soup recipes to try
- This Southwest Chicken Soup is a taste fiesta! Hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, this soul-warming delight features tender chicken, black beans, and hominy in a smoky chipotle broth. Spice it up and savor the Southwest in every comforting spoonful.
- Warm up your taste buds with this Instant Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup recipe! Packed with tender chunks of chicken, a creamy base with a kick of hot buffalo sauce, and a medley of veggies, it’s the perfect comfort food for any season. With just a few simple ingredients, your Instant Pot will do all the work, making this hearty soup a quick and delicious dinner idea.
- Pressure Cooker Creamy French Onion Chicken Soup combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with tender shredded chicken in a luscious, creamy broth. Made quickly in the Instant Pot, it’s an easy, cozy meal perfect for chilly nights.
