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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: A Cozy Bowl of Sunshine Comfort

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a healthy, comforting meal that's quick to prepare and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with any light vegetable oil.
  • 1.5 cups Carrots Peeled and diced.
  • 1 cup Celery Diced.
  • 1 cup Yellow Onion Finely diced.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Can substitute with fresh basil if available.
  • to taste teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust based on preference.
  • to taste teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground is recommended.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free options.
For the Main Ingredients
  • 6 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth Store-bought broth is fine.
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Can substitute with thighs or rotisserie chicken.
  • 1 cup Whole Wheat Orzo Regular or other small pasta can be used.
For the Finishing Touches
  • 4 cups Roughly Chopped Spinach Can swap with kale.
  • 0.25 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill Substitute with parsley or thyme if preferred.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add 1 ½ cups of diced carrots, 1 cup of diced celery, and 1 cup of finely diced yellow onion. Sauté the vegetables for about 8 minutes until they soften.
  2. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetable mixture and stir well. Cook for an additional minute.
  4. Pour in 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth gradually, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Once boiling, add 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover.
  6. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred or dice it.
  7. Add 1 cup of whole wheat orzo to the simmering broth and stir well. Simmer for an additional 7 minutes.
  8. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with 4 cups of roughly chopped spinach, ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill. Stir gently to combine.
  9. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 24gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

If making in advance, store the soup and orzo separately to prevent the pasta from getting too soft.

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