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

There’s just something so bright and comforting about a bowl of soup that warms you up inside and feels fresh at the same time. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is exactly that—a wonderful blend of tender chicken, fresh greens, and zesty lemon that makes it a perfect meal anytime you want something cozy yet lively.

A white bowl filled with clear broth soup layered with white orzo pasta, shredded light beige chicken pieces, bright orange carrot slices, and dark green spinach leaves. The soup is seasoned with black pepper and small green herbs scattered on top. A yellow spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small green herb pieces sprinkled around, next to a striped gray and white cloth napkin. In the background, part of another white bowl with similar soup and a small white bowl of chopped green herbs are visible. 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

I’ve made this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe more times than I can count because it’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you're after a nourishing weeknight dinner or a soothing lunch, it delivers all the flavor and comfort without fuss.

Simplicity meets flavor: You’ll love how a handful of fresh ingredients come together effortlessly for an amazing taste.
One-pot wonder: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal—and that’s a win in my book.
Bright and fresh: The lemon zest and juice add just the right zing to lift the soup’s cozy flavors.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this nourishing soup packed with veggies and tender chicken.

A white pot filled with a clear yellow broth soup that has many layers of ingredients. On the top layer, there are orange carrot slices and bright dark green leafy kale pieces spread evenly. Below that, light beige shredded chicken pieces are mixed with small white orzo pasta and diced light green celery bits. The soup is sprinkled lightly with finely chopped green herbs and black pepper, adding detail and color contrast. The pot sits on a white marbled surface next to a white and navy striped kitchen towel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role here, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Carrots and celery provide a gentle sweetness and crunch, while the lemon brings brightness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the chicken broth.

Flat lay of a whole lemon with bright yellow skin next to a small white ceramic bowl of lemon zest, two whole uncracked brown chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked orzo pasta, a small bunch of fresh kale leaves loosely piled, a medium white ceramic bowl of roughly chopped celery stalks, a medium white ceramic bowl of chopped orange carrots, a medium white ceramic bowl of chopped yellow onion, three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear chicken broth, and fresh sprigs of oregano and thyme placed symmetrically around a single glossy bay leaf, all arranged 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: Perfect for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness without overpowering.
Onion: Builds a savory base and sweetens as it cooks down.
Carrots: Offer a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery: Adds that classic aromatic flavor and crunch to the soup’s foundation.
Garlic: Brings warmth and a bit of punch to the broth.
Chicken broth: The soul of the soup—using a good-quality broth will make a big difference in flavor.
Chicken breasts: Tender protein that shreds beautifully into the soup.
Oregano & Thyme: Earthy herbs that elevate and deepen the overall flavor profile.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out each ingredient’s best.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note—don’t forget to remove it before serving!
Orzo: Tiny pasta that cooks quickly and adds lovely texture without overpowering.
Lemon zest & juice: Your secret weapon for bright, fresh flavor.
Kale leaves: Adds nutrition, color, and a slight crispness that softens just right in the hot broth.

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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

I enjoy tweaking this soup depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add a splash of white wine before the broth, or swap kale with spinach for a milder green. You can make this soup truly yours with small tweaks that suit your taste.

Variation: I once swapped chicken breasts for shredded rotisserie chicken when I was in a hurry—it completely cuts down on cooking time without losing flavor.
Dietary changes: Try gluten-free orzo or tiny rice-shaped pasta called risoni if you're avoiding gluten.
Seasonal swaps: Using swiss chard or spinach instead of kale gives a softer texture and works great in spring or summer.
Extra zing: A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a lovely warmth if you like a little heat.

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

Step 1: Sauté your veggies until fragrant and tender

I start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat. Then I toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. This mix needs about 5 minutes—just until everything softens and the onion turns translucent. The aroma at this point always gets me eager for the next steps! Toss in the garlic last and sauté for 30 seconds more to avoid burning it, which would make it bitter.

Step 2: Build your broth and simmer the chicken

Next, pour in the chicken broth and add your chicken breast pieces. Sprinkle on the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper, then toss in the bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This part tenderizes the chicken perfectly while allowing the flavors to mingle.

Step 3: Add orzo and prepare your finishing touches

Remove the lid and stir in the orzo. Cook it for about 10 minutes, or until it’s al dente and the chicken is tender enough to shred. I like to take the chicken out at this point to shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot. Finally, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped kale leaves, giving everything a good stir until the kale wilts just a bit.

Top Tip

When I first made this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe, I learned a few things that really helped it shine. If you want your soup to have the best texture and flavor, these little tips make a big difference.

Don’t overcook the orzo: It cooks fast and becomes mushy easily, so keep an eye on it during the last step.
Shred the chicken separately: It blends into the soup better and tastes more tender that way.
Fresh lemon juice right before serving: Adds amazing brightness—don’t skip it or use bottled lemon juice which lacks that punch.
Remove the bay leaf: It imparts flavor during cooking but isn’t pleasant to bite into.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I often top a bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra lemon zest shavings for a pop of color and freshness. A spoonful of grated Parmesan works beautifully too, giving each bite a lovely umami kick.

Side Dishes

This soup feels complete with a side of crusty bread or garlic pita wedges for dunking. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the soup’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve ladled this soup into pretty mugs or hollowed-out bread bowls, which always impress guests while keeping things casual. Adding a fresh herb sprig on top makes it look restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I’ve found the flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

I do recommend freezing the soup without the orzo, as pasta tends to get mushy after freezing and thawing. Store the soup and orzo separately, then combine when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water. Add the orzo last, especially if you froze it separately, and heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and tend to stay moist during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

How can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan?

For a dairy-free version, this recipe is already good to go since it doesn't include any dairy. To make it vegan, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and replace the chicken with plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu. You can also add more hearty veggies for fullness.

Is there a way to speed up the cooking time for this soup?

Definitely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken cuts down cooking time significantly. Also, you can sauté the veggies and add pre-cooked chicken and broth, then toss in the orzo last, which cooks quickly in about 10 minutes.

What type of orzo works best for this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe?

Regular semolina orzo is perfect because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. If you prefer gluten-free, look for quinoa orzo or gluten-free pasta shaped like orzo. Be mindful of cooking times as they can vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, satisfying, and so adaptable no matter the season or my mood. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how comforting and fresh a soup can truly be—like a little bowl of sunshine on a chilly day. Let me know how your version turns out; I’m sure you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it!