Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 onion (chopped); 1 cup carrots (chopped); 1 cup celery (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups kale leaves (roughly chopped); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1.5 lbs uncooked chicken breasts; 1 cup uncooked orzo; 1 lemon (zested and juiced)

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of warm, flavorful soup, especially one that’s fresh and bright like this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe. It’s a beautiful combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and hearty veggies that just feels like a big cozy hug in a bowl.

A white bowl filled with clear chicken soup showing layers of shredded white chicken pieces, bright orange carrot slices, small white pasta shapes, and dark green leafy kale floating in the light broth. The soup is sprinkled with black pepper and small green herb bits. A gold spoon is placed vertically inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth napkin nearby and a small white bowl of chopped green herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe quickly became one of my go-to meals on chilly evenings. It’s so simple to put together, yet it tastes like you’ve been simmering it lovingly for hours. Plus, that lemony brightness just lifts everything up and keeps it vibrant.

One-pot Wonder: You simmer everything together, making cleanup a breeze—trust me, after a long day, this is a game-changer.
Bright and Fresh Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest add a zing that cuts through the richness of the broth beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: Pretty much pantry staples and fresh veggies, so it's easy to keep on hand and whip up anytime.
Super Nourishing: Packed with protein, vitamins, and greens that make you feel good inside and out.

A white pot filled with clear broth soup showing layers of shredded light chicken pieces, orange carrot slices, green kale leaves, and small pale pasta pieces floating in the soup. The ingredients are fully mixed and spread evenly throughout the pot with tiny specks of black pepper and fresh green herbs sprinkled on top. The pot has a white marbled surface beneath it and a striped blue and white cloth beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe plays a key role—fresh veggies bring texture, herbs add warmth, and the orzo gives that lovely comforting bite. Here are my thoughts on the essentials and how to choose the best:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a whole yellow onion with its papery skin, a handful of bright orange chopped carrot pieces, freshly chopped pale green celery stalks, three cloves of whole garlic with their skins, a whole fresh lemon with smooth yellow rind, a pile of uncooked pale orzo pasta grains, a few sprigs of fresh oregano and thyme herbs, a single fresh bay leaf, a cluster of vibrant dark green kale leaves roughly chopped, two plump raw chicken breasts with light pink skin, and a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, all arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for that rich, fruity undertone.
Onion: Yellow or white onions work well; they add the foundational sweetness and depth to the broth.
Carrots: Fresh and firm carrots contribute a gentle sweetness that balances the lemon.
Celery: Adds a subtle, savory crunch that rounds out the flavor perfectly.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that punch of aroma and flavor.
Chicken broth: Homemade is best if you can swing it, but a good quality store-bought broth keeps it easy and still delicious.
Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless and skinless for quick shredding and lean protein.
Oregano & thyme: These herbs bring earthiness and depth without overpowering the lemon.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning—always taste and adjust to your preference.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle layer of herbal flavor while simmering.
Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and gives a lovely texture that’s heartier than rice but lighter than larger pasta shapes.
Lemon (zest & juice): Fresh lemon is the star here, lending brightness and that irresistible tangy freshness.
Kale: I use curly kale for its texture and nutrient kick—you can swap for spinach if preferred.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is its flexibility. Whether you want it heartier, lighter, or with a little extra kick, it’s so easy to tweak the flavors or swap ingredients.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the lemon zing.
Greens Swap: If kale feels too sturdy or you’re short on time, spinach works beautifully and wilts faster.
Protein Options: Leftover rotisserie chicken is a delicious shortcut—just shred and add at the end.
Gluten-free: Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta shaped like rice, or omit pasta and add extra veggies for a low-carb version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in your soup pot over medium-high heat, then toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Stir occasionally and cook until everything is tender and the onions look translucent—about 5 minutes. Adding the garlic last and cooking just 30 seconds helps keep it fresh and aromatic without burning.

Step 2: Simmer the Chicken and Broth

Add chicken broth, whole chicken breasts, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf to the pot. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it all simmer for about 15 minutes. This slow simmer infuses the broth with all the lovely veggie and herb flavors while cooking the chicken to juicy perfection.

Step 3: Add Orzo and Finish Cooking

Stir in the uncooked orzo and let it cook in the simmering broth for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still with a slight bite (al dente). This step allows the orzo to soak up the delicious flavors, making every spoonful comforting yet lively.

Step 4: Shred Chicken, Add Lemon and Greens

Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. You can shred them with two forks or chop into bite-size pieces—whichever you prefer. Drop the chicken back into the pot along with fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped kale. Give everything a good stir and let the kale wilt in the hot soup for a minute or two. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed, then serve it up fresh!

Top Tip

In my experience, the difference between a good soup and a truly memorable one is all in timing and fresh ingredients. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe taught me the importance of layering flavors and respecting the delicate lemon—the zing is subtle but transformative.

Don't Rush the Sauté: Letting the onion, celery, and carrots soften slowly ensures you build a rich flavor base before adding broth.
Be Gentle with Garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if burnt, so add it last and cook only for about 30 seconds.
Orzo Timing: Keep an eye on the orzo—it cooks pretty quickly, so you want it tender but not mushy.
Lemon Freshness: Add lemon juice and zest at the very end to keep that bright, fresh flavor shining through.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of grated Parmesan for an added savory touch. A little cracked black pepper on top never hurts either—it adds a nice contrast and a bit of bite with every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Pair it with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that delicious lemony broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the fresh flavors beautifully if you want something light alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this soup in individual mini bread bowls—it’s fun and gets everyone excited to dig in. Alternatively, try layering it in a clear glass bowl to show off the colorful veggies, tender chicken, and bright kale—it’s just as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find this soup reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating as the orzo may thicken the soup slightly.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend undercooking the orzo slightly if you know you’ll freeze it, so it doesn't get mushy upon reheating. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before warming gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Add fresh lemon juice or a quick handful of kale at this stage to revive the fresh flavors before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding to the broth so it cooks evenly and safely during the simmering step.

What can I substitute if I don’t have orzo?

You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even riced cauliflower for a low-carb version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This soup stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for prepping meals ahead of time. Just keep the lemon fresh juice separate if you want the brightest citrus flavor when reheating.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can easily omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra beans or tofu for protein and follow the same steps for a delicious vegetarian twist.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s simple, nourishing, and just full of heart. It’s the perfect blend of bright, fresh, and cozy—exactly what you want after a long day. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!