Go Back
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup orzo pasta - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 lemon (juice and zest) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This soup shines with simple, fresh ingredients. The chicken gives protein and flavor. Orzo adds a nice texture. The chicken broth forms a rich base. For aromatics, we use onion and garlic. They bring warmth to the soup. Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch. Seasonings elevate the soup. Olive oil provides a smooth finish. Lemon juice and zest brighten each bite. Thyme and oregano add depth. Finish with salt and pepper to balance flavors. Garnish with parsley for a pop of color. It also adds a fresh taste. Every ingredient plays a role in making this soup cozy and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I like to use a sturdy pot for even cooking. Next, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates a great base flavor. After the onions soften, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for about one minute until it becomes fragrant. You’ll love the smell as it fills your kitchen! Now, it’s time to add some color and crunch. Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Cook these for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. The carrots add sweetness, while the celery brings a nice bite. These veggies create a hearty texture in your soup. Next, we add the chicken breasts to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, which will make the soup rich and savory. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmers until the chicken is cooked through and tender. After the chicken is cooked, take it out of the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now, stir in the orzo pasta, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. This means the pasta will be firm but not hard. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your cozy meal is almost ready! To make your soup taste even better, try adding more herbs. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley brighten the dish. You can also use homemade broth. It adds a rich flavor that store-bought can't match. The depth of taste from homemade broth will impress your guests. Be careful not to overcook the orzo. It should be slightly firm when you bite into it. If you want thicker soup, adjust the liquid. Add less broth for a hearty stew-like texture. For a thinner soup, just add more broth until you reach your desired consistency. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the veggies and shred the chicken the night before. This cuts down on your cooking time. You can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to eat. This tip is great for busy weeknights! Pro Tips Use Homemade Chicken Broth: For the best flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. It enhances the depth of the soup and makes it much more nourishing. Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks, as it can become mushy if overcooked. Aim for al dente for the perfect texture. Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for extra zest! {{image_2}} You can easily change this soup to fit your needs. For a different texture, use quinoa instead of orzo. Quinoa cooks fast and adds a nutty flavor. If you want a new protein, substitute chicken with turkey or tofu. Both options keep the soup hearty and satisfying. If you need this soup to be gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that work well. You can also add leafy greens like kale or spinach. They boost nutrition and add color. Just stir them in a few minutes before serving. To make it even more vibrant, consider adding fresh spinach. It wilts nicely and gives the soup a lively look. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits, like lime or orange. Each fruit adds a unique taste and brightens the soup. Enjoy the creativity! After cooking, let the soup cool down. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Freeze the soup in individual portions for convenience. This way, you can enjoy it anytime. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge before reheating. This ensures it warms evenly without losing flavor. To reheat, use the stovetop for best results. This method helps maintain the soup's texture. As it heats, add a splash of broth to restore consistency. This little trick makes your soup just as delicious as when you first made it! Making Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Soup takes about 50 minutes in total. This includes prep time and cooking time. You can whip it up quickly for a cozy meal. Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth. It saves time and works well in this recipe. If you want to add more flavor, try a low-sodium option. To make it heartier, add more vegetables or beans. Chopped spinach, peas, or white beans boost texture and nutrition. Feel free to get creative with what you have at home. This post covered the key steps to make Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Soup. We explored the main ingredients, from chicken to aromatics, and shared tips for enhancing flavor. You're ready to make variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Remember to store leftovers properly. With these details, you can create a delicious soup that’s both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this tasty recipe!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Soup

A refreshing and hearty soup with chicken, orzo, and a zesty lemon flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 whole lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  • Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley.
Keyword chicken, garlic, lemon, orzo, soup