10-Minute Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for a Cozy Meal

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine the zesty aroma wafting through your kitchen, mingling with tender chicken, fluffy orzo, and vibrant veggies. Each spoonful dances on your palate, delivering a delightful burst of citrusy goodness that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

This soup isn’t just food; it’s an experience. I still remember the first time I made it for my family. They were skeptical at first but soon devoured every last drop. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, impromptu gatherings, or even when you need a pick-me-up after a long day. Trust me; this dish will become your new favorite comfort food.

I remember my daughter’s face lighting up when she tasted this soup for the first time; it was pure joy!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; adjust according to how many people you’re feeding.

• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and adds a lovely texture to the soup.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; chop them into small chunks for even cooking.

• Celery Stalks: Celery brings crunch and aromatic flavor; make sure they are crisp!

• Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.

• Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic infuses the soup with an irresistible aroma; fresh is always best!

• Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the show—this adds brightness and zing to every spoonful.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option while still keeping rich flavors.

• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil enhances the dish’s richness during sautéing.

• Dried Oregano: A teaspoon of oregano works wonders in boosting the herbal notes.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to personal taste preferences.

• Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley makes for a vibrant garnish enhancing both flavor and presentation.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté those Aromatics!: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until everything softens and releases its delightful aroma—about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic and Chicken!: Throw in minced garlic and diced chicken breasts into the pot. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally—about 7-10 minutes should do the trick.

Pasta Time!: Pour in chicken broth along with dried oregano, salt, pepper, and orzo pasta. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

Squeeze in Some Lemon!: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice along with chopped parsley if desired. Letting that citrus magic blend together creates an unforgettable depth of flavor.

Serve Hot!: Ladle out generous portions into bowls. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, then sit back while everyone marvels at your culinary masterpiece.

Cooking this lemon chicken orzo soup will not only fill your home with enticing aromas but also warm your heart! Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting delight!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the chicken until golden brown, then add onions and garlic for flavor. After that, pour in the broth and orzo, cooking until tender.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out orzo for quinoa or rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Adding spinach or kale boosts nutrition and color too.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Sharing this recipe felt like pouring my heart into a bowl! Friends rave about it and always ask for seconds, which makes my day!

FAQ

Can I make lemon chicken orzo soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well, but consider adding fresh herbs just before serving.

What can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of lemon chicken orzo soup.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes during cooking or serve with hot sauce on the side for extra heat.

Print

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy orzo pasta, and vibrant veggies in a zesty lemon broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting pick-me-up, each spoonful delights with a burst of citrusy goodness. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 medium carrots (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and diced chicken; cook until the chicken turns white and is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, oregano, salt, pepper, and orzo pasta. Bring to a gentle boil; then reduce heat to simmer for approximately 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley if desired.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg