Hearty & Healthy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: Your Go-To Comfort Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a true classic, elevating simple components into a deeply satisfying meal. Featuring tender, bone-in chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and delicate orzo pasta, all simmered together in a rich, aromatic broth infused with bright lemon zest. This recipe proves that minimal ingredients can yield maximum flavor, coming together in under an hour to create a family-favorite dish that’s perfect for any occasion, particularly those colder months when you crave something truly nourishing.

Our recipe specifically calls for bone-in, skin-off chicken thighs and legs. While this choice might extend the cooking time slightly compared to boneless cuts, the depth of flavor and richness it imparts to the broth is absolutely worth the wait. We firmly believe that the very best homemade soups are crafted with bone-in chicken. The bones release collagen and essential nutrients during the simmering process, creating a naturally hearty and incredibly flavorful stock that forms the foundation of this exquisite soup. Furthermore, cooking chicken on the bone helps keep the meat exceptionally juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is a delight.

Why This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

This delightful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again:

**Incredibly Versatile:** Don’t have orzo on hand? No problem! This soup is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer, such as ditalini, pastina, or even small elbow macaroni. For a lighter, carb-conscious option, you can easily omit the pasta entirely and load up on extra veggies and succulent chicken.
**Customizable Lemony Flavor:** Are you a lemon lover? This recipe empowers you to adjust the citrusy kick to your exact preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more fresh lemon juice at the end until it reaches your perfect level of tanginess and brightness. You can even add a bit of lemon zest for an extra aromatic boost.
**Fantastic Leftovers:** Some soups taste even better the next day, and this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is certainly one of them. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. Simply store it properly, and you’ll have delicious, comforting meals ready to reheat throughout the week.
**Ultimate Comfort Food:** There’s an undeniable warmth and coziness that comes with a bowl of homemade chicken soup. This particular recipe, with its soothing broth and tender ingredients, is the perfect antidote to a chilly day or when you’re simply in need of a comforting, soul-nourishing meal.
**Simple & Quick:** Despite its gourmet taste, this soup requires minimal effort and utilizes straightforward ingredients. Most of the cooking time is hands-off simmering, allowing you to relax while your kitchen fills with an inviting aroma.

Key Ingredient Notes & Substitutions for Your Perfect Soup

Crafting a truly exceptional soup starts with understanding your ingredients. Here are some essential notes and potential substitutions to help you make this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup your own:

Chicken: We highly recommend using 3 lbs of bone-in, skin-off chicken leg quarters (thighs and legs). The bones render a deeply flavorful broth, and the dark meat stays incredibly moist.
- Substitution Tip: If you opt for boneless chicken breasts or thighs, remember to significantly cut down the cooking time, as they cook much faster. Boneless, skinless chicken can be added later in the cooking process (after the initial vegetable sauté) and simmered until just cooked through, typically 15-20 minutes, then removed, shredded, and returned to the pot. Using boneless chicken will result in a slightly less rich broth unless you supplement with additional good quality chicken stock.
Poultry Seasoning: We use a salt-free poultry seasoning blend, which typically includes dried herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and a hint of nutmeg and black pepper. It’s a wonderful shortcut to a complex flavor profile.
- Substitution Tip: If you don’t have poultry seasoning, you can create your own blend with equal parts dried sage, thyme, and rosemary, plus a pinch of nutmeg and black pepper. Alternatively, simply use individual dried herbs that you enjoy.
Chicken Bouillon Powder: This provides a concentrated burst of chicken flavor to the broth.
- Substitution Tip: For an equally delicious result, you can substitute the powder with 8 cups of good quality chicken stock or broth, or use 2 tablespoons of chicken bouillon paste dissolved in 8 cups of hot water. Adjust salt levels accordingly, as some bouillons and stocks can be quite salty.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery form the classic aromatic base (mirepoix) for many soups, adding a foundational sweetness and depth.
- Enhancement Tip: Don’t be afraid to add other vegetables like spinach (stir in at the very end), chopped zucchini, or even a handful of frozen peas for extra nutrition and color.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for that bright, zesty finish.
- Flavor Control: Always add lemon juice at the end to preserve its fresh, vibrant taste. Adding it too early in the cooking process can diminish its potency.
Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and adds a delightful texture without overpowering the soup.
- Pasta Alternatives: As mentioned, small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even broken spaghetti can be used. Just ensure to check their cooking times as they may vary from orzo.

Easy Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Your Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup that your family will adore:

Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onions, carrots, celery, and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Season generously with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
Infuse Garlic & Simmer Chicken: Stir in the finely minced fresh garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the bone-in chicken pieces, chicken bouillon powder, and poultry seasoning to the pot. Pour in 8 cups of water. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Cook Chicken & Add Orzo: Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and release its wonderful flavors into the broth. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After 25 minutes, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Add the orzo pasta directly into the simmering broth. The orzo typically takes about 9 minutes to cook al dente, so check package directions for exact timing. While the orzo cooks, shred or dice the chicken meat, discarding any bones or excess fat.
Finish & Serve: Once the orzo is cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to heat through. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Take your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup from great to absolutely extraordinary with these simple yet effective tips:

**Enhance the Broth:** For an even richer broth, consider browning the bone-in chicken pieces in the pot with a little olive oil before adding the vegetables. This adds a layer of deep, savory flavor through caramelization.
**Perfect Orzo Texture:** Orzo can absorb a lot of liquid. If you plan on having leftovers, you might want to cook the orzo separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving. This prevents the pasta from getting too mushy or soaking up all the broth.
**Lemon Zest Boost:** For an extra aromatic punch of lemon, grate a little lemon zest into the soup along with the lemon juice at the very end. The zest contains essential oils that contribute to a more intense lemon flavor.
**Seasoning is Key:** Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! Season with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the chicken back and just before serving. A well-seasoned soup makes all the difference.
**Garnish for Freshness:** Fresh herbs like parsley or dill are not just for looks; they add a wonderful freshness and brightness that complements the lemon and chicken beautifully.
**Make it Spicy:** If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or include some finely diced green chilies. Serve with a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
**Serve with Sides:** This soup is wonderful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and a slice of cheesy garlic bread or crusty artisan bread for dipping.
**Lime Alternative:** No lemons on hand? Limes make a surprisingly delicious substitute, offering a slightly different but equally zesty citrus note.

Storing & Freezing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious soup for days to come. Let the soup cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may find the orzo has absorbed a lot of the broth; simply add a splash of water or chicken stock to achieve your desired consistency.

This soup also freezes well, allowing you to prepare it in larger batches. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. However, if you plan on freezing, we highly recommend omitting the orzo pasta during the initial cooking process. Orzo tends to get mushy and can break down when frozen and reheated. Instead, cook the orzo separately and add it fresh to the thawed and reheated soup just before serving. This ensures the best texture for your pasta.

More Delicious & Comforting Soup Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, be sure to explore these other comforting and flavorful soup recipes from our collection:

Cabbage Roll Soup – A hearty and deconstructed take on classic cabbage rolls, featuring tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and rice in a savory tomato broth.
Sopa de Salchichon – A wonderfully robust and flavorful sausage soup that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – Experience ultimate comfort with this quick and creamy version of a beloved classic, made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
Sopa de Pollo – A traditional homemade chicken soup bursting with authentic spices and wholesome ingredients, a true taste of home.

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5 from 1 vote

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

By

Julie Maestre

This lemon chicken orzo soup is bone-in chicken, vegetables, and pasta, simmered in a delicious broth. A flavorful soup that requires minimal ingredients and cooks in under an hour!

Prep:

10

Cook:

50

Total:

1

Servings:
8

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Ingredients

▢ 3 lbs chicken thighs and legs , bone-in skin-off
▢ 1 onion, finely diced
▢ 1 cup carrots , finely diced
▢ 1 cup celery , finely diced
▢ 2 garlic cloves , finely minced
▢ 1 sprig rosemary, fresh
▢ 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
▢ 2 tsp poultry seasoning
▢ 1 lemon, juiced
▢ 1 cup orzo pasta
▢ 8 cups water
▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
▢ salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat about 2 tbsp of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Stir the fresh garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the chicken, chicken bouillon powder, poultry seasoning, and 8 cups of water. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil.
Once it comes to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Once the chicken is fully cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and add the orzo. The orzo takes about 9 minutes to cook. While the orzo cooks, shred or dice the chicken and discard the bones.
Place the chicken back into the pot, add the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

Let the soup cool completely, then place it in an air-tight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add more water if necessary! You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, however, I recommend omitting the orzo pasta if you plan on freezing it. You can add the orzo pasta once you thaw and reheat the soup.

If you like it very lemony, use 2 lemons instead of one.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Julie Maestre

Prep Time:
10

Cook Time:
50

Total Time:
1

Course:
Entree

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
8

Calories:
123

Keyword:
lemon chicken orzo soup, lemon chicken soup, orzo chicken soup

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