Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (Bright, Comforting & Protein-Packed)
This lemon chicken orzo soup is light, fresh, and deeply satisfying. With tender chicken, hearty orzo, and a lemony broth full of flavor, it’s the perfect feel-good meal for chilly days, sick days, or anytime you want something wholesome and cozy in a bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
Juice of 1–2 lemons (to taste)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1–2 cups chopped spinach or kale
Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5–6 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and greens if using. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 25g