Bright and Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for Easy Comfort

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup to brighten your day. I remember one chilly evening when my son, Jake, came home from school, and the first thing he said was, 'Mom, it smells like happiness in here!' This soup is a family favorite, and it’s the best chicken orzo soup recipe you’ll ever try.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
• The lemon adds a refreshing zing that lifts your spirits.
• Orzo gives it a delightful texture that everyone loves.
• It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that warm you from the inside out.

Pure Comfort

This soup truly embodies comfort food. Each spoonful is filled with tender chicken, soft orzo, and vibrant veggies, all swimming in a bright, lemony broth. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl.

What You Need

• 1 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing; can substitute with avocado oil.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – For aromatic flavor.
• 2 2 medium carrots, diced – For color and sweetness.
• 2 2 celery stalks, diced – Adds crunch; can substitute with bell peppers.
• 64 8 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
• 1 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cooked and shredded; can use rotisserie chicken.
• 1 1 cup orzo pasta – A small pasta that cooks quickly.
• 1 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – For that bright flavor; use more for extra zing.
• 1 1 teaspoon dried thyme – For a hint of earthiness.
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to preference.
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish; adds freshness.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, it can be made ahead and reheated.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water.
2. Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and the garlic is fragrant. You want them to be tender but not mushy.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens, and the flavors start to blend beautifully.
4. Add the shredded chicken and orzo to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. Keep an eye on it, as orzo can go from perfect to mushy quickly.
5. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh lemon juice and dried thyme. Taste and season with salt and pepper. The soup should taste bright and refreshing, just like a sunny day.
6. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve it warm, and get ready for some happy faces around the table.

Make It Perfect

• For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the broth, but remember to remove it before serving.
• If you want a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
• You can easily swap in other veggies like spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Mix It Up

• Try adding a splash of cream for a richer texture.
• For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes.
• Substitute quinoa for orzo for a gluten-free option.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• A simple side salad pairs perfectly with this soup.
• Consider a light dessert like lemon sorbet to finish the meal.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is sure to become a staple in your home. It's comforting, delicious, and perfect for any day of the week. So grab your ingredients and let the warmth of this soup fill your kitchen and your heart.

Bright and Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for Easy Comfort

This bright lemon chicken orzo soup is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables in a refreshing lemony broth. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy days and cozy meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing; can substitute with avocado oil
• 1 large yellow onion diced; adds sweetness and depth
• 2 cloves garlic minced; for aromatic flavor
• 2 medium carrots diced; for color and sweetness
• 2 stalks celery diced; adds crunch; can substitute with bell peppers
• 8 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium for a healthier option
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Cooked and shredded; can use rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup orzo pasta A small pasta that cooks quickly
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice For bright flavor; use more for extra zing
• 1 tsp dried thyme For a hint of earthiness
• to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped; for garnish; adds freshness

Equipment

• Large pot

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until hot.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery and cook for 5 minutes until tender.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add shredded chicken and orzo; cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente.
6. Stir in fresh lemon juice and dried thyme; season with salt and pepper.
7. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.