Love orzo? Try my One Pot Lemon Orzo pasta or this Sausage Orzo Soup next! I admit, at first I was hesitant to try this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (maybe it’s because of my love of Lemon Desserts??), but once I did I was completely hooked. The dish has a great balance between the tangy freshness of lemon and the savory flavor of the vegetables and tender chicken. Don’t worry — the lemon doesn’t make it overly lemony, but it adds a lovely burst of flavor when the soup has finished cooking. Ready in under an hour, it’s quick to whip up using simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry! It’s a great recipe for any occasion, from busy weekdays to special occasion family get-togethers, or just when you need a dose of pure comfort. For more easy one-pot dinner recipes with Orzo pasta, try my Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo recipe, One Pan Tuscan Orzo with Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta, and my One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo!
Ingredients Needed:
Oil: I use canola oil to sauté the vegetables, but olive oil or vegetable oil is a good substitute if you have it on hand instead. Vegetables: use the classic trio of carrots, celery, and onions for a classic savory flavor base for the soup. Garlic: freshly minced garlic will give the soup an aromatic and robust taste. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but you won’t need as much. Seasoning: use salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the soup, while dried herbs pack in a ton of flavor. Use parsley, thyme, and basil for a delicious flavor. Broth: I tend to use a low-sodium chicken broth for the liquid base of soups, as it gives a great depth of flavor and the low-sodium versions allow me to better control the saltiness of the meal. Chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts work well to give you tender chicken pieces in every bite. You can use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor if you prefer. Orzo: I love using orzo pasta in soup because it soaks up the delicious flavors of the soup and isn’t a heavy pasta. Lemon: The zest and juice from a fresh lemon provide the characteristic tangy note, elevating the soup’s fresh flavor. Garnish: use some fresh parsley to brighten up the dish at the end, adding color and extra nutrients.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This recipe is easy to make and is ready in just 40 minutes. Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Variations
Use other garnishes: Add some freshly grated parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, lemon zest, or some lemon wedges for extra citrus flavor. Chicken broth substitutions: Opt for homemade chicken stock or homemade chicken broth if you have it, or use bouillon cubes dissolved in water in a pinch. Use vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor. Change the seasonings: Change up the flavors by using an Italian Seasoning mix, or by adding in some spice with cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. Make it creamy: Add in some heavy cream or Greek yogurt before adding the parsley to give your soup a creamy flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a great one-pot meal that can be served on its own, or you can add some side dishes to make it into a complete meal, or to make it go a bit further. Try it with my Cheesy Baked Asparagus or Honey Glazed Carrots for even more comforting flavors, or some Roasted Vegetables, Air Fryer Green Beans, or Green Beans with Bacon to add nutrients and color to the table! We always have a side of bread on the table too, so try this classic Garlic Bread or my No Knead Artisan Bread with some butter.
More Delicious Soup Recipes To Try
Crockpot Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Creamy Vegetable Soup
Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup (with hidden veggies!)
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