Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
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Chockfull of hearty veggies and tender chicken in a refreshing lemony broth. It is PURE COMFORT in a bowl!
No matter what the weather is outside, I can always use a bowl of chicken noodle soup. It doesn’t even matter if I’m sick with the flu or if I have the cleanest bill of health – this soup can be eaten any day of the week, any time of day for an all around feel-good warm hug in a bowl.
But let me tell you that this is not your ordinary chicken noodle soup. The traditional noodles are swapped out and orzo pasta is used instead. And my favorite part about this soup is the freshly squeezed lemon juice stirred in at the very end, served with alllll the crusty bread. It makes all of the difference, really.
Tools For This Recipe
Dutch oven
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken breasts can absolutely be used here but chicken thighs have more dark meat and a higher fat content which will yield juicier, more flavorful chicken.
Absolutely! But because dried herbs are often more potent/concentrated than fresh herbs, you need less when using dry. The correct ratio is 1 tablespoon fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon dried herbs.
Yes! You can freeze the leftovers without the orzo pasta (or else they will get mushy) in individual freezer bags, thaw overnight, and reheat on the stovetop, adding freshly cooked orzo pasta when serving.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken to the stockpot and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the stockpot. Add garlic, onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in chicken stock, bay leaves and 1 cup water; bring to a boil.
- Stir in orzo, rosemary and chicken; reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
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I found this recipe over the weekend and have been looking forward to making it since! Trying it tonight
Such a good recipe. The lemon and rosemary flavor it so well. Thanks!
Why is there bacon in the pot in the first picture?
That is not bacon. It is uncooked chicken.
I thought it was bacon too, haha.
Made this earlier for my family and they all loved it. Seconds and thirds were had and it was delicious. I just browned some thighs and tore the meat off them. But it was still delicious! Keeper for sure
This looks delicious. Will this work with boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Absolutely, although using chicken thighs is very much recommended!
Has anyone tried this soup in a crock pot? I’m dying to try it and I would love to put it in the crock pot in the morning before I head off to work and come home to a delicious cup of soup.
Made this last night for my boyfriend who is sick. It was delicious! The broth had amazing flavor. Will def. make again!
So delicious! Perfect for nursing my two sick boys back to health. Thank you for the recipe!
Great write up, I was getting a soar throat. This was just what I need to regain strength and energy.I also substituted the chicken stock with Better Than Bouillon. I highly recommend this ingredient.
This looks delicious! Pinning now~making this weekend!
How big does the pot need to be?
I used a 3-quart Dutch oven.
I’m making this right now and just realized I forgot to set the chicken aside. I just kept adding everything to the pot. Hope the chicken doesn’t come out too dry ughhhh 🙁
I just made this and it’s very good.Thanks for posting this on Pinterest.
Just made this because I’m feeling a cold coming on…it definitely hit the spot! Thank you!
I love how easy this recipe comes together. Tastes like it has been simmering all day. A hit with my family. Thanks!
I just made this and threw in some kale. I also lazed out and used a rotisserie chicken. yummy! Thank you for the recipe.
Oops just saw the answer above : )
Would this freeze well? If so, should I do the orzo separate you think?
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Just made this for dinner. Kids loved it. So simple and easy. Really light and fresh! Thanks!