My Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup just might be my all-time favorite. I know that’s a bold claim, but everyone who’s tried it seems to agree! It’s nourishing and cozy, made with simple, wholesome ingredients that feel as good as they taste. Whenever I’m feeling chilly or under the weather, this is the first soup I crave. The fresh lemon brightens every spoonful, giving the broth a vibrant, refreshing flavor.
BE SURE TO SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD FOR LATER!
Reasons to Love This Soup
- Easy: It looks like an intricate soup, but it requires very minimal, simple ingredients and comes together in just 40 minutes start to finish.
- Macros/Nutritious: This soup is full of nourishing, wholesome ingredients. You get your veggies, carbs, and protein all in one delicious soup!
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: Chicken is low in calories and high in protein! It is a good source of Vitamin B12 and choline, which is essential for brain development and function. It can help with weight management and decrease your chance of heart disease.
- Lemon: Not only does it taste good, but lemon actually has so many health benefits. They are full of vitamin C, which is great for your immune system. One lemon contains about 50mg of vitamin C, which is over half the amount needed in your daily diet. They can help with weight management. The pectin fiber found in lemons expands once you digest it, making you feel fuller for longer. I could go on and on about lemons hehe.
- Orzo: Whole grain orzo is known to improve your metabolism due to its fiber content, relive fatigue due to it’s strong carbohydrate content. Compared to other pastas, orzo is higher in protein as well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Zester or microplane
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp organic olive oil
- 1 bunch green onions, diced
- 3-4 organic celery stalks, sliced
- 2 large organic carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 20 oz. cooked & shredded chicken breasts (can use raw too and add in step 3 of the instructions)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 7-8 cups Kettle & Fire organic chicken broth – Use the code COOKINGKATIELADY for 20% off at Kettle & Fire! The best broth ever for real!
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup orzo
- 3 cups organic baby spinach
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- Rosemary sprigs to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
How To Make It
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium to medium high heat. Add the green onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for about 10 minutes.
- If using raw chicken, add it to the pot with the broth. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove, shred, and return to the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in the cooked chicken, baby spinach, and fresh dill. Simmer over medium low heat until the spinach is wilted.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Top with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs. Let the soup gently simmer on low for another 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Tips or Variations
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Swap spinach for kale if you prefer a heartier green.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- If you love a thicker soup, add an extra handful of orzo & some heavy cream.
- This soup thickens as it sits. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
Dietary Information
This soup is dairy free and packed with protein. To make it gluten free, simply substitute the orzo with a gluten free pasta or cooked rice. It’s naturally high in nutrients from the vegetables, greens, and fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm crusty bread or a simple arugula salad with olive oil and shaved parmesan.
Check Me Out on Social Media
I post all my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up to date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
FAQ’s
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but for best texture, freeze it without the orzo and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut and adds even more flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
You can substitute with dried dill, but use about one third of the amount.
Why add the lemon at the end?
Adding lemon juice at the end keeps the flavor bright and fresh rather than muted from cooking too long.
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Description
My Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup just might be my all-time favorite. I know that’s a bold claim, but everyone who’s tried it seems to agree! It’s nourishing and cozy, made with simple, wholesome ingredients that feel as good as they taste. Whenever I’m feeling chilly or under the weather, this is the first soup I crave. The fresh lemon brightens every spoonful, giving the broth a vibrant, refreshing flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium to medium high heat. Add the green onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
-
Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for about 10 minutes.
-
If using raw chicken, add it to the pot with the broth. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove, shred, and return to the pot.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in the cooked chicken, baby spinach, and fresh dill. Simmer over medium low heat until the spinach is wilted.
-
Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Top with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs. Let the soup gently simmer on low for another 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.3g6%
- Saturated Fat 0.6g3%
- Cholesterol 82.7mg28%
- Sodium 693.6mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.5g5%
- Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
- Sugars 1.9g
- Protein 40.8g82%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding.
User Reviews
This recipe got over a million views on Instagram and rightfully so! It is the best soup if you want something refreshing & warm or if you are sick!