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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The BEST soup. I make it a couple of times a month! It’s so good. Love it! If your looking for a delicious chicken soup recipe, look no further!
It’s one of our faves! Glad to hear you loved it! 🙂
My family loved this! The only negative is that it only made 5 bowls! Next time I will double the recipe!
What’s the amount of lemon juice needed?
The recipe calls for the juice of 1 (medium) lemon = 2-3 tablespoons.
I love this recipe! I’ve made it many times. It’s wonderful, thank you for your recipes.
OMG this is the best soup ever! Simply delicious and fills that homemade craving for sure. Will be making another, double batch this weekend!
Glad you love it!
Delicious soup! My bf was feeling under the weather and it didn’t feel right to give him that instant stuff LOL
This soup was quick and easy to make and he loved it!
Thank you!
Great, Teresa! Hope he feels better soon!
I’ve made this recipe a couple of times for friends and family who were sick with the flu or some other ailment. It’s delicious and I swear it has magical healing powers!
It totally does!
Super easy and damn delicious! I added a pinch of dill at the end like my Baba always did.
I normally do not like chicken soup but it was one of the best soups that I have ever made. It’s light and lemony and perfect for cold days. I would highly recommend.
That’s great!
Very good ! Comes together fast. Next time I’ll dice the chicken up smaller!!! Great for a cold day in November. Thank you!!!
This was truly delicious on a chilly fall night. I did as others suggested, and let it simmer for several hours in the afternoon without the orzo. I cooked the orzo separately and added it at the last minute. Wonderful flavors – will definitely make again!!!
Hi! I’m making this right now! I doubled up the recipe to have easy weeknight leftovers. I freeze flat in a vacuum bag, then just boil some water and pop the bag in on a busy night! I adore anything with lemon in it and my taste test gives it a thumbs up! Thanks for the easy and yummy recipe!
My favorite chicken soup ever! The chicken thighs are super tender and melt in your mouth. The lemon and herbs give this an addicting kick. I’ve made this too many times to count and making it again tonight!
This is awesome! I had a fresh rosemary sprig from my garden that I used. I love lemon and added more than the recipe calls for. Make sure you use enough salt. I will definitely make this again.
Sweet! Thanks, Debbie!
Can I use regular regular pasta instead of orzo? And maybe add a little heavy cream?
Of course!
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to make it!
Making this for the second time in as many weeks. Yummy! Only thing I’ve added this time is a little sweet corn. The whole family loves it, especially on a rainy day with TS Alberto bearing down. Thanks!
That’s a great addition! Sounds so yummy!
This looks really good! Do you think I could sub Israeli couscous (pearl couscous) for the orzo? I have a bunch leftover that I’ve been wanting to use…do you know if I’d have to change the amount or cooking time?
Yes, pearl couscous would be a great substitute! But please keep in mind that cooking time can vary.
Hello!
Can this be done in a slow cooker? Thanks 🙂
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.
Made this today. Added chick peas and zucchini! Great recipe.
Do you think this would work in the crockpot? I need something I can put together and walk away from tomorrow!
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.