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 something so comforting about a bowl that’s warm, zesty, and nourishing all at once. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe hits all those notes with tender chicken, bright lemon, and mild orzo swimming in a rich broth. It’s perfect for any day you want cozy made easy.

A white bowl filled with clear chicken soup showing four main layers: the bottom layer is a light yellow broth, above it are small white orzo pasta pieces, chunks of cooked white chicken meat, bright orange carrot slices, and dark green kale leaves scattered on top. The soup is garnished with small bits of green herbs and black pepper sprinkled across the surface. A golden spoon stands inside the bowl on the right side. There is a small white bowl with green herbs in the background on a white marbled surface, and a blue and white striped cloth napkin is partially visible under the bowl. 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

Honestly, this soup feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s straightforward to make but packed with layers of flavor, and it never fails to cheer me up on a chilly day. Here’s why it should go straight to your regular rotation.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means less clean-up and more enjoyment at the table.
Bright & Fresh Flavor: Lemon zest and juice add just the right pop of freshness to balance the hearty chicken and orzo.
Healthy & Filling: Packed with lean protein, veggies, and leafy greens like kale, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Kid-Friendly Comfort: The mild flavors and soft orzo make it a hit even with picky eaters, which I truly appreciate!

A close-up view of a white pot filled with chicken soup shows several layers: first, a clear yellow broth base with visible seasonings. Next, there are small pieces of shredded light-colored chicken scattered evenly. On top of the chicken, there are bright orange carrot slices along with green kale leaves. Small pieces of white or pale yellow pasta also float throughout. Chopped green parsley is sprinkled on the surface. The pot sits on a white marbled surface next to a blue and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe balances simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a role in building depth without overwhelming the soup’s light, bright character. Here’s what’s going in and why I never skip these essentials.

Flat lay of a small puddle of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, one whole yellow onion with shiny papery skin, a handful of bright orange chopped carrots neatly arranged, a few stalks of fresh green celery chopped into small pieces, three whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a simple white bowl filled with clear golden chicken broth, two plump raw chicken breasts with pale pink skin, a small white bowl holding dried green oregano and thyme leaves mixed together, a small white bowl with coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl with black peppercorns, one fresh glossy green bay leaf, a small white bowl filled with uncooked orzo pasta grains, one bright yellow lemon whole and uncut showing a natural sheen, a small pile of roughly chopped dark green kale leaves — all 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: The base for sautéing veggies; adds richness and helps soften aromatics.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed—always worth chopping up fresh.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and color, balancing the lemon’s acidity.
Celery: Offers that classic savory, slightly bitter note that rounds out the soup.
Garlic: Just a little punch of flavor, but enough to make a difference.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that turns this into a comforting meal — homemade or store-bought works great.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that shreds easily, soaking up all the flavors.
Oregano & Thyme: Herbs that give a subtle earthiness and warmth without overpowering.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to lift all the flavors — always taste and adjust.
Bay leaf: Adds that subtle herbal aroma during simmering, which I never skip.
Orzo: A small pasta shape that cooks quickly and adds body to the soup.
Lemon zest & juice: The star that brightens up each spoonful with fresh citrus zing.
Kale leaves: For color, nutrition, and a slight chew, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and orzo.

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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've played with this soup a lot and love how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or feel like. Don't hesitate to make it yours—it adapts to all sorts of tastes and dietary needs.

Greens swap: I've switched kale for spinach when I wanted a milder flavor or softer texture; both work wonderfully.
Protein twist: On busy days, I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch—it cuts down time and still tastes great.
Gluten-free option: Just swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or even small rice shapes, and you've got a celiac-friendly bowl ready to go.
Extra zing: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup a gentle heat without stealing the spotlight from the lemon.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in your biggest soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in chopped onion, celery, and carrots, stirring occasionally until they soften and start smelling sweet—around 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and quickly sauté for just 30 seconds to avoid burning. This step builds a rich foundation your soup will thank you for.

Step 2: Simmer the Chicken and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, nestle the chicken breasts in the pot, and sprinkle in oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes so the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo and Prep the Chicken

Add the orzo directly into the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes. You’ll want the orzo cooked “al dente” — tender but with a slight bite. Meanwhile, remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces before returning them to the pot.

Step 4: Add the Lemon and Greens

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped kale. Give everything a good stir, and let the kale wilt in the warm soup for just a few minutes. Taste the soup and season with more salt or pepper if needed. Now it’s ready to serve!

Top Tip

Through making this soup dozens of times, I've learned a few simple tricks that make a world of difference — and I want you to feel confident every step of the way.

Don’t Skip Zesting: The lemon zest adds essential oils that brightens the soup beyond just lemon juice alone, deepening the citrus flavor.
Shred the Chicken Warm: Removing and shredding chicken while it’s warm makes it easier and prevents the soup from cooling too much.
Orzo Timing Is Key: Add orzo late so it doesn’t overcook and turn mushy — watch it closely during those last 10 minutes.
Adjust Salt After Adding Lemon: Lemon juice can change perceived saltiness, so always taste and season last for perfect balance.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves—just something green and fresh for a pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few cracks of black pepper bring it home for me every time.

Side Dishes

I like serving this soup with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up that delicious broth. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the bright notes in the soup perfectly, making the meal feel balanced without overloading.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve dished this soup into individual rustic bowls and garnished each with a lemon wheel and microgreens. It adds a fancy touch that's still cozy and approachable, perfect for welcoming friends or family to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually lasts 3-4 days. Because the orzo soaks up broth over time, I like to add a splash of additional chicken broth or water when reheating to keep it from getting too thick.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, though I recommend slightly undercooking the orzo if you plan to freeze it, to prevent it from becoming mushy after thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring often. Adding a little water or broth helps refresh the texture. This way, the soup tastes almost as fresh as the day you made it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! Chicken thighs bring extra richness and stay juicy during simmering. Adjust simmer time slightly if needed—thighs may cook a bit faster than breasts.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. To boost protein, add chickpeas or white beans. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.

How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy in Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe?

Add the orzo towards the end of cooking and watch it closely. Cook until just al dente, then remove from heat to avoid overcooking. If freezing leftovers, undercook the orzo slightly before freezing.

Can I prepare Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for both. In an Instant Pot, sauté veggies first, then pressure cook chicken and broth for about 8 minutes before adding orzo. For slow cooker, combine ingredients except lemon and kale, cook on low 4-6 hours, add lemon and kale at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is one I keep coming back to—it's approachable, wholesome, and just plain delicious. I love sharing it with friends, and I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a quiet Sunday lunch, this soup’s fresh flavors and satisfying warmth will be exactly what you need.