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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A cozy and easy one pot soup made with tender chicken, small orzo pasta, and fresh lemon juice. Light, comforting, and perfect for any day of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast diced small
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped finely
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 carrots sliced thin
  • 2 celery stalks chopped small
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden and fully cooked. Stir occasionally so it cooks evenly.
  2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and add salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Add orzo pasta and simmer, stirring often, until pasta is soft and tender.
  5. Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice and lemon zest for fresh flavor.
  6. Add parsley, taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, always add the lemon juice and zest at the end after turning off the heat. This keeps the taste fresh and bright.
  • Stir the orzo pasta often while cooking so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
  • The soup will thicken as the orzo absorbs the broth. Add extra chicken broth if needed when reheating.
  • Cut the chicken into small, even pieces so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
  • Do not overcook the chicken, or it may become dry and tough.
  • You can use cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. Add it when you pour in the broth.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add extra flavor and should be added at the end for best results.
  • For extra vegetables, add spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, especially salt and lemon juice.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.