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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is pure comfort in a bowl made with classic vegetables, chicken, orzo, lemon juice, and spinach. The fresh flavors hit you in just the first bite and you won’t be able to help coming back for more.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This chicken noodle soup recipe has so much flavor with all the vegetables, herbs, and lemon juice. If it’s possible, toss in some fresh herbs in place of dried ones for even more of that fresh flavor. Sprinkle fresh parsley or parmesan cheese over the soup right before serving for a beautiful presentation as well. 

How To Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add carrots, celery, garlic, bell pepper, and onion and cook until the vegetables begin to soften and onion becomes translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the chicken to the pot and season with thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest, then add the chicken broth.

Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, around 15 minutes.

When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it with a fork.

Add the orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and shredded chicken.

Cook until the orzo is softened.

Add baby spinach and continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes more, until spinach has wilted, before serving.

INFO

Expert Tips

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best bowl of chicken soup you’ve ever tasted.

• Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes before adding the orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and shredded chicken to allow the flavors to blend. 
• Orzo only needs to be cooked for about 5-7 minutes to make it to al dente.  
• Turn off the heat before stirring in the spinach so it doesn’t overcook.  
• Use a salad spinner to wash and dry the spinach before adding it to the pot to get rid of any lingering dirt.  

Variations 

This is going to be one of your favorite chicken soup recipes. The best part is that you can alter it to match your tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Substitute rice or couscous for the same cooking time. Use brown rice, farro, or barley, and add 15 minutes to the cooking time. 
• Substitute the fresh spinach for other dark leafy greens like kale, swiss chard, or collard greens. 
• Use vegetable broth or homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought chicken broth.
• Use bottled Italian seasoning instead of individual dried herbs to save time.  

How To Serve 

Serve this delicious meal with fresh garlic bread or a crunchy green salad.

It also pairs well with side dishes like  Honey Butter Skillet Corn, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, or Oven Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus.

How To Store 

Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Reheat: When you’re ready to eat the leftover soup, pour some into a pot on the stove and bring it to a gentle simmer. Alternatively, you can scoop some into a bowl and heat it in the microwave in 30-second increments until it’s heated through.

Freeze: This is a great soup to make ahead and freeze for later. Pour it into freezer bags or plastic containers and place them in the freezer for up to three months. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice in the soup after reheating it to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I make lemon chicken orzo soup in the instant pot? 

This fresh soup is a great option to make in the pressure cooker! Use the saute function to cook the vegetables, add the broth and chicken, cover, and cook for five minutes. Allow the steam to naturally release for five more minutes, then carefully remove the lid. Let the soup cool, then serve immediately.

What type of chicken is best in lemon orzo soup? 

This recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can use rotisserie chicken or chicken thighs. Any one you choose will result in flavorful and tender chicken soup.  

Can I make a double batch of lemon chicken soup? 

Chicken orzo soup is such an easy recipe that it’s a breeze to make a double batch to save for later. When it’s cooked, allow it to cool, and then pour the remainder into freezer bags or plastic containers.