Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 3/4 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups baby spinach; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Delight is a cozy, flavorful bowl of goodness that brings comfort and brightness to your table. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, delicate orzo pasta, and a refreshing hint of lemon, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for chilly days, busy weeknights, or whenever you’re in the mood for something hearty but light.

What sets this soup apart is the vibrant lemony finish—it gives the broth a tangy lift that perfectly complements the savory ingredients. The combination of soft orzo, crisp vegetables, and juicy chunks of chicken in a golden broth creates an irresistible texture and depth of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping ahead for the week, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully in this soup. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. The key is to ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful—poaching it directly in the broth enhances the taste even more.

Ingredients for the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Delight

Chicken: Provides the hearty protein base. Use shredded cooked chicken for convenience or poach fresh pieces in the broth for deeper flavor.

Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and gives the soup a satisfying texture without overpowering the other ingredients.

Carrots, Celery, and Onion: The classic mirepoix trio delivers a sweet, aromatic backbone for the broth.

Garlic: A must-have for boosting the savory depth of the soup.

Baby Spinach: Stirred in at the end, it adds freshness and a pop of green.

Lemon Juice and Zest: These brighten the soup and tie all the flavors together with a citrusy finish.

Chicken Broth: Acts as the savory liquid base. Choose low-sodium to control the salt level.

Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and develop flavor early on.

Salt, Pepper, and Fresh Parsley: Finish off the soup with balanced seasoning and a touch of herbaceous lift.

How To Make the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Delight

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and add your raw chicken breasts or thighs (if not using precooked). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta directly into the pot. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Lemon

Once the orzo is tender, stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light salad.

How to Serve and Store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Delight

Serve this soup piping hot with a wedge of lemon on the side and a sprinkle of extra parsley on top. Crusty bread or a simple side salad makes it a well-rounded meal. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine for a cozy dinner.

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. The orzo may absorb some broth over time, so add a splash of water or more broth when reheating. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months—just note that the texture of orzo may soften slightly after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rice instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute rice for orzo. Just keep in mind that rice takes longer to cook and may alter the texture slightly.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon?

You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice and zest give the best flavor boost.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not with traditional orzo, but you can swap it for gluten-free pasta or rice to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I make it creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt after removing from heat for a creamy twist.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Make the base (without orzo and spinach) ahead and store it. When ready to eat, reheat and add orzo and spinach for best texture.

Want More Soup Ideas to Warm Your Table?

If you love this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Delight, try these cozy, comforting dishes next:

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for hands-off weeknight ease.
Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff for creamy, savory comfort.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese when you’re craving cheesy and hearty.

Mississippi Sin Quiche for a twist on savory brunch.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole to bring classic flavors to your table.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra lemon or skip the spinach? Did you try it with rice instead of orzo?

I love seeing the ways you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s keep learning and cooking together!

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Delight

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A bright and hearty soup made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a burst of lemon for a soul-warming dish that’s perfect any time of year. Quick to make, easy to store, and endlessly comforting.

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Pour in the chicken broth and add chicken. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return to the pot.