Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: Your Cozy Comfort Food Fix

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion, packed with flavor and nutrition.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons Olive Oil Base fat for sautéing vegetables; can substitute with avocado oil.
2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness; use more olive oil for dairy-free.
1 cup Onion Chopped finely; yellow or white works best.
2 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh garlic is recommended.

For the Vegetables

1 1/3 cups Carrots Chopped; adds sweetness.
1 1/3 cups Celery Chopped; adds crunch.

For Thickening and Flavor

2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Acts as a thickener; can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free.
8 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Soup's base liquid; homemade preferred.
1 leaf Bay Leaf Infuses aroma; remove before serving.

For the Zesty Kick

2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens flavor.
1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Intensifies lemon flavor.

For Seasoning

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Balances flavors.
1/4 teaspoon Italian Seasonings A medley of herbs.

For the Heartiness

1 cup Orzo Pasta Uncooked; can substitute with small rice for gluten-free.
1 whole Rotisserie Chicken Shredded, about 3 cups.

For Garnish (Optional)

2 tablespoons Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley Chopped; for fresh touch.
Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese Optional; adds creaminess.

Equipment

Large pot

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil and melt butter over medium-high heat.
Add chopped carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for about 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and Italian seasonings. Stir well.
Introduce uncooked orzo pasta and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes.
Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot and mix gently.
Fold in chopped parsley and remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Optionally, add grated cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and consider cooking orzo separately if not serving immediately.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!