Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 onion (chopped); 1 cup carrots (chopped); 1 cup celery (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 8 cups chicken broth; 1.5 lbs uncooked chicken breasts; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup uncooked orzo; 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 4 cups kale leaves (roughly chopped)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup that feels both light and satisfying. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is exactly that—bright, cozy, and just bursting with fresh flavors that make it a standout weeknight favorite.

A white bowl of chicken soup with visible shredded white chicken pieces, bright orange carrot slices, green leafy kale, small white pasta shapes, and light green celery pieces floating in a clear broth, topped with sprinkled black pepper and chopped parsley, a golden spoon standing in the bowl, placed on a white marbled surface next to a small white bowl of chopped greens and a blue and white striped cloth napkin photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't tell you how many times this soup has rescued an evening when I wanted something nourishing but easy. It’s simple to make, packed with hearty veggies, and that touch of lemon vibrancy makes it feel special without any fuss.

Simple One-Pot Wonder: You can make this entire Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in just one pot, which means easy cleanup and quick prep—always a winner in my book.
Bright, Fresh Flavors: The lemon zest and juice add a zing that lifts the whole soup, making it taste fresh and spring-ready even on chilly nights.
Comforting & Nutritious: Tender chicken, fiber-packed kale, and wholesome orzo create a balanced bowl that feels both hearty and healthy.
Adaptable & Family-Friendly: This soup appeals to all ages and can easily be tweaked based on what you have in the fridge or pantry.

A large white pot filled with a clear yellow broth soup, layered with small pasta pieces, light orange carrot slices, green kale leaves, and shredded light beige chicken pieces spread evenly throughout. The soup surface glistens with small green parsley bits and specks of black pepper. The pot handle is visible on the lower right, resting on a striped cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe plays a role—whether it’s adding depth, texture, or that fragrant lemon brightness. I always recommend fresh veggies and quality broth to get the best flavor.

Flat lay of two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of minced garlic cloves, a small white bowl of chopped orange carrots, a small white bowl of chopped pale green celery, a small white bowl of chopped white onion, a small white bowl of fresh bright green kale leaves, a whole bright yellow lemon with visible zest, a raw skinless chicken breast, a small white bowl of dry uncooked orzo pasta, a small white bowl of dried oregano and thyme herbs mixed, a small white bowl of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, a fresh bay leaf, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: A good base for sautéing veggies; adding richness without heaviness.
Onion: Builds that savory foundation; I always use yellow onions for their sweetness.
Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Celery: Provides aromatic complexity and crunch when softened just right.
Garlic: Punches up the savory notes, but don’t overcook to keep it bright.
Chicken broth: The heart of the soup’s flavor; homemade or high-quality store-bought works beautifully.
Chicken breasts: Keeps the soup lean yet packed with protein; I prefer boneless for ease.
Oregano & thyme: Classic herbs that pair perfectly with lemon and chicken.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to pull all flavors together.
Bay leaf: Adds subtle earthiness as the soup simmers.
Orzo: Tiny pasta that cooks quickly and makes the soup more filling without overpowering it.
Lemon zest & juice: The star that brightens the whole bowl with fresh acidity.
Kale leaves: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight bite; I love massaging the leaves briefly before adding.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over time, I’ve tried it with different greens, added spices, and even swapped chicken for turkey when I wanted a twist.

Variation: I've swapped kale for spinach or Swiss chard depending on what I had; both work wonderfully and cook just a bit faster.
Dietary tweak: For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice instead of orzo—still delicious and hearty.
Heat it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes brings a surprising warmth that pairs beautifully with lemon.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in chopped onion, celery, and carrots, cooking them until soft—usually around 5 minutes. This step's crucial for unlocking those deep flavors, so don’t rush it. After that, add the minced garlic and sauté for an extra 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it!

Step 2: Simmer the Soup with Chicken and Seasonings

Next, stir in your chicken broth, chicken breasts, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it work its magic for about 15 minutes. This allows your chicken to cook through while the flavors meld.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo and Prepare the Chicken

Add the orzo directly to the simmering soup and cook for around 10 minutes until it’s al dente. While that’s going, take the chicken out, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and then stir it back into the pot. This way, every spoonful has tender, flavorful chicken throughout.

Step 4: Brighten it Up and Add Greens

Finally, pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest. Toss in the chopped kale leaves and give the soup a good stir. The residual heat will gently wilt the kale without losing its fresh texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Top Tip

When I first made this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe, I underestimated how much the lemon zest would enhance the broth. Adding both zest and juice at the end gives you brightness without overpowering the savory notes. Here are some of my favorite pointers to make it just right every time:

Sauté veggies gently: Give your aromatics time to soften fully, it’s key for depth of flavor.
Don’t overcook garlic: Add it last in the sauté to keep it fresh and vibrant, not bitter.
Shred chicken carefully: Removing the chicken to shred helps prevent it from falling apart in the soup and keeps texture pleasant.
Adjust lemon last: Start with a bit of juice, then add more if you want—it's easier to brighten gradually than fix over-acidic soup.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh parsley or dill on top—it adds a beautiful color pop and fresh herbal note. A few twists of black pepper and maybe even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil brighten things up even more.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or garlic toast pairs wonderfully to soak up every last drop. Sometimes I serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, matching the soup’s brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this soup in miniature bowls as an appetizer, garnished with edible flowers and a lemon twist. It’s an unexpected way to elevate a humble dish and impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since orzo absorbs liquid over time, I recommend adding a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the soup back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup without the kale (added fresh when reheating) to keep the texture vibrant. Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Slowly warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add fresh lemon juice and kale near the end to revive that fresh, bright flavor. Microwave works too, just be sure to stir every minute or so.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this soup?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and add a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind they may need a couple extra minutes to cook through, and you can shred them similarly.

How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

The key is to add the orzo towards the last 10 minutes of cooking and not let it cook longer than needed. If you’re planning to store leftovers, adding a bit of extra broth when reheating helps loosen the texture.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or use cauliflower rice. The soup’s flavor remains just as delicious with this substitution.

What’s the best way to store leftover soup?

Store the soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to refresh the consistency, as the orzo will absorb liquid over time.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe has truly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It feels homemade and wholesome but comes together without hassle. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe you want to share with friends and keep coming back to whenever you want a bowl of pure cozy happiness.