Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
A cozy, comforting bowl of Chicken Orzo Soup made with tender shredded chicken, soft orzo pasta, carrots, celery, and a creamy herbed broth. Brightened with lemon and parsley, this soup is the ultimate feel-good meal perfect for warming up any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the oil and soften vegetables: Place a large soup pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add diced onion, chopped carrots, and diced celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Cook for about 1 minute until garlic is aromatic to build the base flavors.
- Add chicken stock and bring to boil: Pour in 6 cups of chicken stock into the pot. Increase the heat slightly and bring the broth to a gentle boil.
- Cook the orzo: Add 3/4 cup orzo pasta to the boiling soup. Let it cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender but still holds its shape and isn’t mushy.
- Add shredded chicken and simmer: Lower the heat to a simmer. Stir in 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and heat the chicken through.
- Finish with lemon, parsley and cream: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup heavy cream if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra fresh parsley, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and added flavor.
- To freeze, slightly undercook the orzo to prevent it from becoming mushy upon reheating.
- Add fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking for extra greens and nutrition.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving brightens the flavors and adds freshness.
Keywords: Chicken Orzo Soup, comfort food, chicken soup, easy soup recipe, lemon chicken soup, creamy soup, cozy recipes, one pot soup
