Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Posted October 16, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

If you’re a fan of chicken noodle soup, prepare to be delighted by this lemon-infused chicken orzo soup. Loaded with orzo pasta, fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and tender chicken, this soup takes the classic noodle recipe to new heights while remaining effortlessly easy to make and delivering a generous protein punch.

Lemon chicken orzo soup in a white bowl on a brown plate with a side of crusty bread

While there are numerous reasons to savor this soup – its lightness, vibrant flavor, and more – my personal highlight is its high protein content, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Most soups are rich in vegetables, fiber, and micronutrients but often lack the satiety that protein imparts.

If you’re a soup enthusiast seeking a complete and balanced meal featuring protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats, this lemon chicken orzo soup should definitely be on your menu!

Ingredients for lemon orzo chicken soup; chicken breasts, orzo, spinach, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, basil, dill, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, lemon, and chicken broth

Ingredients for Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup

To create this orzo soup, gather the following ingredients:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended in the recipe, but chicken thighs can be a suitable alternative. Alternatively, you can use 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
Orzo: The star ingredient, and if orzo is unavailable, other small pasta options like acini di pepe, ditalini, or stelline pasta can be used.
Lemon: A touch of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to infuse a burst of flavor.
Onion, Carrot, and Celery: The classic mirepoix mix, forming the base of the soup.
Garlic: Adding depth and aroma to the dish.
Herbs: A blend of oregano, parsley, basil, and dill to season and flavor the soup. The recipe specifies dried herbs, but fresh ones are a fine alternative, with the caveat of tripling the quantity when using fresh herbs and adding them towards the end of the cooking process.
Spinach: Providing greenery and color to the soup.
Chicken Broth: While chicken broth is preferred, vegetable broth is also a viable substitute.

Additionally, you’ll need some olive oil, salt, and black pepper to complete the recipe.

Dietary Adaptions

For a Gluten-Free Version: Substitute orzo with gluten-free short-cut pasta or rice and ensure the broth is gluten-free.

For a Dairy-Free Version: No modifications are necessary, as this soup is already dairy-free.

Onion, carrot, and celery sauteed in a pot

Broth with chicken breasts in a pot

How to Make Chicken Orzo Soup

Preparing this soup is remarkably straightforward and can be done in around 30 minutes. Here’s a brief overview of the process:

Saute the Vegetables: Start by sauteing the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they become tender.
Infuse with Herbs: Add the garlic and dried herbs, cooking until fragrant.
Introduce Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and submerge the raw chicken breasts in it to let them cook.
Incorporate Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta into the pot.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the pot, place it on a cutting board, shred it into pieces, and then return it to the soup.
Add Lemon and Spinach: Include the spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and let it simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors.

For comprehensive and detailed instructions, consult the recipe card below.

Orzo added to a pot with broth and chicken breasts

Nutrition Tip

While not all soups constitute a complete meal, this particular recipe does. The combination of chicken, orzo, and vegetables creates a well-rounded meal rich in protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats. As a result, it’s perfectly suitable to enjoy as a standalone meal.

Shredded chicken in a pot with orzo soup

Spinach added to a pot with orzo soup

What To Serve with Orzo Soup

If you prefer simplicity, serve the soup with a generous slice of crusty bread and butter (a personal favorite accompaniment for this soup). Alternatively, pair it with an array of bread, cheese, cured meats, and vegetables, or enjoy it alongside a simple green salad for the classic soup and salad combo.

Cooked lemon chicken orzo soup in a pot

FAQs

What is orzo soup made of?

Orzo soup typically includes orzo pasta, onion, carrots, celery, and broth. Additional elements such as chicken, herbs, garlic, and other vegetables can be added.

What does orzo soup taste like?

Orzo, being a form of pasta, offers a taste and texture reminiscent of other pasta soups. This lemon chicken orzo soup offers flavors akin to the classic chicken noodle soup, with a subtle lemon twist.

What does adding lemon to soup do?

Lemon imparts brightness to a soup, counterbalancing the otherwise savory and salty notes. Adding lemon juice is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of a bland or insipid soup.

How many carbs are in lemon chicken orzo soup?

Each serving of this lemon chicken orzo soup contains approximately 31 grams of carbohydrates. Detailed nutritional information is available in the recipe card below.

Chicken lemon orzo soup in a white bowl with a spoon, topped with lemon slices, and a side of crusty bread

Storage + Reheating

For refrigeration, allow the soup to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

To freeze, transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe, airtight container, where it can be stored for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm the thawed soup in a saucepan or pot on medium heat for 5-10 minutes until it’s hot, or use a microwave-safe dish in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This lemon chicken orzo soup is a light and flavorful dish that works well for both lunch and dinner. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it an excellent meal prep option.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, raw
1 cup orzo, raw
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 ribs of celery, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
6 cups of chicken broth, with more available if needed
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon of dried basil
1/4 teaspoon of dried dill
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 lemon, juiced
2 cups of spinach, finely chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
Incorporate the dried oregano, parsley, basil, dill, and salt, ensuring that the vegetable mixture is well-coated. Heat for 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine it with the vegetables, then add the raw chicken breasts to the pot, submerging them gently in the broth.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. After this time, add the orzo to the pot, giving it a thorough stir to ensure even distribution, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board, all while continuing to simmer the soup. Use two forks to shred the chicken breast into bite-size pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, along with the finely chopped spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer on low for a final 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Once the cooking is complete, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper. At this point, you can also add more broth or water if the soup appears too thick, adjusting it to your preference.
The soup can be served immediately or cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.