Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: My Favorite Comfort Bowl (Print Version)
Craving a hug in a bowl? This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is my go-to for cozy nights, packed with bright lemon and tender chicken.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Dairy-Free (optional)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Stars for Your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
01 -
2 tbsp olive oil
02 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
03 -
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
04 -
1 cup orzo pasta
→ Aromatic Foundation
05 -
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
06 -
2 stalks celery, diced
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Bright & Zesty Finish
08 -
1 large lemon (juice and zest)
09 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Optional Hearty Add-ins
10 -
2 cups fresh spinach
11 -
Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first, grab your biggest soup pot – the one that always feels like home. Heat up a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced chicken breast and cook until it's lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. I love how the kitchen starts to smell so good already! Remove the chicken and set it aside. Now, in the same pot, add your chopped onion and celery. Sauté them until they're softened and fragrant, about 5-8 minutes. This is where the magic starts, honestly. I always forget to scrape up the bits from the chicken, but don't you do that! Those are flavor bombs.
02 -
Once your veggies are soft, add the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until it’s fragrant – don't let it burn, hon, that's a mistake I've made too many times! Pour in your chicken broth, give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle boil. This is where the whole kitchen starts to smell amazing, a true comfort. I always taste it at this point, just to check the salt levels, you know?
03 -
Now for the orzo! Stir it into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer, pop a lid on, and let it cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. This is where I always keep an eye on it because orzo can go from perfectly al dente to mushy in a flash, oops! Once the orzo is almost done, add your cooked chicken back into the pot. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes. The soup will start to thicken beautifully, it's so satisfying to watch.
04 -
This is the best part, where it truly becomes Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup! Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Oh, that smell! It just brightens everything up. If you're using spinach, now's the time to toss it in. Stir until it wilts, which only takes a minute or two. I sometimes add a bit more lemon than the recipe calls for because I just love that tangy kick, so feel free to experiment a little, it's your kitchen!
05 -
Taste your beautiful soup and adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? A pinch of black pepper? A little more lemon? This is your chance to make it perfect for *your* taste buds. Ladle it into bowls. To be real, sometimes I make a bit of a mess getting it from the pot to the bowl, but hey, that's just part of the home cooking charm, right? Don't worry about it being too perfect.
06 -
Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. If you're feeling fancy, a little grated Parmesan cheese on top is a game-changer. Honestly, this soup just tastes like a warm hug. Take a moment to breathe in that amazing aroma before you dig in. It's so good, you'll want to make it again and again, trust me on this one!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the orzo! It gets mushy, trust me.
02 -
Store separately if possible, or add a splash of broth when reheating.
03 -
Veggie broth works great if you're out of chicken.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley makes it pop.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large soup pot
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
citrus zester
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 10g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g