Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – tender chicken, orzo, carrots, spinach and fresh herbs in a light, lemony broth with so much flavor. Delicious soup in under 30 minutes!

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is ideal all winter long – sick days, well days or anytime you’re in the need for a little comfort food. It’s one of my favorite soups. I love how the fresh lemon juice takes ordinary soup to the next level.

It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s a great twist on traditional chicken noodle soup with bright citrus flavors. Ideal for weeknights, gourmet enough for company.

No one needs to know how little time you spent at the stove. 

HISTORY OF LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP RECIPE:

My friend Audrey sent me Bon Appetit’s recipe for Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup. She said it was the “best soup” she had had in a log time and strongly recommended enjoying it with some crusty bread.

She also emphasized I “make sure to squeeze lemon into the bowl before you eat it”. 

Now I love Bon Appetit, but how can they call it Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup when it doesn’t get a drop of lemon until it hits the table?

So I switched things up a bit – this recipe is my own version – inspired by both Bon Appetit and the Panera Bread’s version. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, bright vegetables and chicken broth with bright lemony flavors. It’s a fresh soup the whole family can enjoy.

WHAT’S IN LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP?

I subbed green onions for leeks, added carrots for extra flavor and a pop of color, some chopped celery, a bunch of fresh spinach, dill and yes – fresh squeezed lemon juice and zest right into the broth.

I recommend fresh dill in this recipe (not dry). The simple flavor is just what this soup needs to tie everything together. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• olive oil
• green onions
• celery
• medium carrots
• boneless, skinless chicken breasts (boneless thighs may also be used)
• chicken stock (or chicken broth if you prefer)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• orzo
• fresh spinach
• whole lemon
• fresh dill

how to make lemon chicken orzo soup:

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat then add the onions, celery and carrots. Season with salt and pepper and cook 5-7 minutes stirring frequently until tender then move the vegetables to the outer edges of the pot.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, season with salt and pepper and add the raw chicken to the pot searing on both sides.

Pour the chicken stock into the pot, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through then transfer the chicken to a plate. Rough chop the spinach and shred the chicken after it cools.

Bring the broth to a full boil then stir in orzo and spinach and cook 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is cooked to al dente. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the juice from half of the lemon, lemon zest and dill.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper and if you prefer a stronger lemony taste, squeeze in the remaining half of the lemon or to you own preferences.

Serve hot in individual bowls with (optional garnish) lemon slices and dill sprigs.

VARIATIONS TO THE RECIPE:

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley to the broth near the end of cooking.
• Use leeks in place of green onions.
• Include a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese to each bowl of soup at the table.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER soup:

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this soup makes a tasty lunch another day. Cool the soup completely then store in an airtight container up to 3 days or in the freezer up to 3 months.

LOOKING FOR MORE EASY HOMEMADE SOUPS?

Lasagna Soup – slow cooker OR 30 minute option. Ground beef, lasagna noodles and mushrooms in a rich cheesy tomato broth. Top with ricotta for all the comfort of the classic dish without the time!

Minestrone Soup – packed with vegetables, beans and a hearty tomato-herb broth. Serve for parmesan cheese for sprinkling and some good crusty bread – like Olive Garden, but better. Way better.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup – easy, delicious Panera Bread copycat recipe with tender fresh broccoli in every creamy, cheesy bite. Ready in 30 minutes.

Easy Homemade Tomato Soup – classic Tomato Soup from canned tomatoes, fresh herbs and cream in under 30 minutes. Simple, comforting – perfect for dunking!

Enjoy!

 

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