Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combines tender chicken, fresh lemon, creamy broth, and perfectly cooked orzo for a comforting yet bright and refreshing meal. Ready in under 45 minutes, this restaurant-quality soup delivers nourishing flavor, satisfying texture, and the perfect balance of richness and citrus—making it ideal for easy weeknight dinners or elegant lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: thyme, dill, bay leaves, Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Reduce heat, add shredded chicken and heavy cream, and simmer 5 minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper and let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add lemon juice only after removing soup from heat to avoid curdling. Warm cream slightly before adding. Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking. Adjust lemon intensity to taste.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: lemon chicken orzo soup, creamy chicken orzo, lemon soup recipe, easy weeknight soup