🍋 Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (Light, Healthy & Comforting!)

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup on a chilly day — light, nourishing, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. This wholesome recipe uses everyday ingredients, comes together in under an hour, and is sure to become a family favorite! 🥰

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• Comfort food that’s still light and healthy
• Fresh, zesty lemon flavor brightens every spoonful
• Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
• Uses simple pantry staples

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🍋 Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (Light, Healthy & Comforting!)

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Light, cozy, and healthy, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting family favorite made with simple, wholesome ingredients in under an hour.

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Ingredients

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• 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
• 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1.5 lbs uncooked chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour, stir, and cook for another minute.

3. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the flour. Add Italian seasoning and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil.

4. Cover partially and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Stir in uncooked orzo. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often.

6. Remove chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces, and return to pot. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Notes

Orzo soaks up liquid, so add extra broth when reheating leftovers.

Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken (165°F is perfect).

To make ahead, cook soup without orzo, then add pasta when reheating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 315
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: Varies
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

🍽️ Ingredients

• 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
• 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1.5 lbs uncooked chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies 🥕
   In a large soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic & Flour
   Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour, stir, and cook for another minute.
3. Add Broth & Chicken 🍗
   Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the flour. Add Italian seasoning and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer
   Cover partially and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Cook Orzo
   Stir in uncooked orzo. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t stick.
6. Shred Chicken & Add Lemon 🍋
   Remove chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces, and return to pot. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot!

💡 Pro Tips & Tricks

• Orzo Soaks Liquid – If storing leftovers, add extra broth when reheating.
• Instant-Read Thermometer – Avoid overcooking chicken by checking for 165°F doneness.
• Make It Ahead – Cook soup without orzo, then add pasta when reheating for the freshest texture.

📊 Nutrition Info (per serving)

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation.

❓ FAQs

Can I freeze Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
Yes — but freeze it without the orzo to avoid mushiness. Add cooked orzo when reheating.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Add it after the orzo is cooked to avoid overcooking.

What can I use instead of orzo?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or rice work well.