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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Warm and comforting, this lemon chicken orzo soup brims with bright citrus, tender chicken, and wholesome vegetables, creating a hearty yet refreshing meal ready in just half an hour.
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Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 lemons zested and juiced
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • ¾ cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 celery sticks chopped
  • 2 green onions trimmed and chopped (whites and green parts)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast 2 halves
  • 2 carrots peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds

Instructions

  • In a large Dutch oven or sturdy pot, warm about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil until it shimmers. Incorporate the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic, seasoning generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté, stirring from time to time, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and water, then nestle in the chicken breasts. Season again with salt and pepper, sprinkle in the dried oregano, turmeric, and red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow to cook for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through, skimming any foam that surfaces. Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and add the orzo pasta and frozen peas to the pot, increasing the heat to return the broth to a boil. Meanwhile, shred the chicken using two forks, then stir it back into the pot and continue cooking until the orzo reaches an al dente texture, about 8 minutes more. Remove the pot from the heat and finish the soup by stirring in the fresh lemon juice and zest, chopped green onions, and parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make ahead: For optimal texture, cook the orzo separately if preparing ahead of time, adding it only when reheating the soup to prevent over-absorption of broth.
Serving suggestions: Pairs wonderfully with crisp salads like Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, Orange Beet Salad, or a vibrant Orange and Pomegranate Salad.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add extra broth or water when reheating to maintain the soup’s consistency.