This lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is light, healthy, and cozy. It uses wholesome everyday ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite!
Love lemon chicken? Try my Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken or this Lemon Chicken Orzo (One Pot Pasta).
Why you'll love it
I've made a lot of soups on here, but this lemon chicken soup with orzo is hands down the most beloved by my readers. It's just so comforting without being heavy, and people adore the bright lemony broth. This orzo soup is simple to make, so it's ideal anytime you're craving a really cozy soup without a lot of effort.
If you're not familiar with it, orzo is that tiny rice-shaped pasta. It looks like rice but cooks really fast, so you get that rice effect in less time. I cook with it fairly often, and I always enjoy it. I mean, you can't really go wrong with pasta. Except for bowtie pasta, but that's a story for another day. 😉 In any case, this recipe is like chicken noodle soup but elevated!
What you'll need
- Celery, carrots, and onion - the aromatic base for any good soup. I prefer sweet (Vidalia) onion, but yellow works as well.
- Butter and olive oil - for sautéing
- Garlic - for more savory flavor. I like to use this garlic press to mince it since you don't need to peel the cloves first.
- Flour - it thickens the broth a little
- Chicken broth - for deeper, richer flavor
- Italian seasoning - it's my favorite dried herb blend that comes all in a single jar for convenience
- Chicken - the boneless skinless chicken breasts cook right in the soup
- Orzo - you'll be able to find it in the dry pasta aisle
- Lemon juice - for that burst of brightness. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Parsley - it adds a pop of flavor and freshness
Pro tip
- If you really want a more intense pop of lemon in here, I suggest grating in some lemon zest. I love my Microplane zester/grater for that purpose! You can also increase the amount of lemon juice to suit your tastes and serve with lemon slices right in the bowls as well.
How to make lemon chicken orzo soup
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
In a soup pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery with the olive oil and butter until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, followed by the flour. Pour in the chicken broth, and stir until the flour has totally dissolved.
Add in the Italian seasoning and the uncooked chicken. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and then simmer for about 15 minutes. Add in the orzo, and simmer until it's al dente, stirring fairly often.
Once the chicken reaches a temperature of 165F, take it out and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Add it back in along with the lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and salt & pepper. That's it!
Can I make it ahead?
- Yes, but you may not want to use the one pot method in that case since the orzo will soak up the broth over time. If you plan on having a lot left over or are making it well ahead of time, I recommend cooking the orzo separately and adding it into each bowl when warming it up.
Substitutions and variations
- You can substitute the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer.
- If you want to make this with already cooked/rotisserie chicken, I suggest adding the chicken in at the same time as the orzo so you don't overcook it.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you have concerns with salt.
- Want to make this soup in your slow cooker instead? Try my Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.
What to serve with this soup
- I like to keep it simple with a big slice of bread. I'd recommend a baguette or sourdough to round out the meal.
- If you love the soup and salad combo, try my Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad or mixed greens with my Homemade Italian Dressing.
Leftovers and storage
- It'll keep for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. You may need to add more chicken broth to leftovers as the pasta will absorb it.
- This soup can be frozen, but the orzo does get a bit puffy. If you want to freeze the whole batch, I recommend adding cooked orzo in after you thaw it.
- Reheat in a small saucepan over a low heat until warmed through, stirring every so often.
More delicious chicken soup recipes
Questions about this soup? Leave me a comment below, and tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram if you've made it!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 2 sticks celery chopped finely
- 2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the celery, carrots, and onions in a large soup pot with the butter and oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then add the flour and cook for another minute or so.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir until the flour has dissolved, then add the Italian seasoning and chicken. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Cover the soup (lid slightly ajar), and reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for another 10 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through. I keep the lid off and stir it fairly often because it tends to stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Take the chicken out of the pot and cut it up, then add it back in. Add the lemon juice (you may want to add more than I suggest - I didn't want to make the soup too lemony for some people), parsley, and season the soup with salt & pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can sub the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Chicken is safe to eat at 165F and can go from undercooked to overcooked quickly, so I recommend using an instant read meat thermometer whenever cooking chicken so you're not guessing.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you're sensitive to salt.
- You may need to add more chicken broth to leftovers as the orzo soaks it up.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Erin says
My husband doesn’t love soup and I do! But he said this one sounded good enough to try lol
Is there a way to make this in a crockpot for busy days?
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Hi Erin! The Crockpot version is linked in the post under Substitutions and Variations. Enjoy!
Lauren says
This was lovely! However the next time I make it.. it will be a colder day… not 91. degrees!!! In California!! LoL! You have the best recipes and I am so happy to make new exciting dishes! I am definitely one of your super fans!!! Thank you!!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
We're firm believers this soup is meant for any time of the year haha. Thank you so much for being a regular reader, Lauren! We appreciate it so much!!
Mikki says
Could you specify what is a serving size? Trying to assess how much to make for the entire family. Thank you!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Hi Mikki! A serving size is 1/6 of the recipe as written. We just plug the ingredient info and quantities into a calculator. Your individual ingredients may vary. The photos of it in the Dutch oven may help to guide you volume-wise. Enjoy the soup!
Kelly says
I made this tonight and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
You're very welcome, Kelly! Appreciate your review! 🙂
Erin Rock-Ballard says
Great recipe! I added lemon zest as well as the fresh lemon juice. I just feel like it adds a whole level of flavor. I also added mushrooms. Wonderful recipe.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
So pleased you liked it, Erin! Thank you.
MS in TX says
I made this for my mother who is recovering from surgery. She can’t eat much more than soup, but friends have brought her so much chicken noodle soup, so I wanted to make something different. She said this was better than any of the others, and really hit the spot. I served it with some warm pita bread that was great for sopping up the broth. Will definitely make this one again.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
We're so pleased your mother enjoyed this soup! Sending her all the best in her recovery! 🙂
Sharon says
Is this a good soup to freeze? If so are there any adjustments to make to recipe? Thanks!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Hi Sharon! See the Leftovers and Storage section of the blog post for all the info you're looking for. Enjoy!
Stephanie D says
So good! I love lemon. So I added extra with more at the table.
Natasha says
Fantastic! Same!
Diane says
Why is sodium and potassium so high. Is it the chicken broth. What if I use sodium free broth?
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Hi Diane! You can definitely use low-sodium chicken broth. It's mentioned in the Substitutions and Variations section of the post. Hope you enjoy the soup! 🙂
Mary Alice NicOletti says
SUPERB!!!!!! This is so darn good , I'm taking some to my daughters house for her to try. I. Broke up some small elbow sand put that in. With some slices of lemon . I served with a little of grated cheese. To die for! Thank you.for sharing.Mary alice
Natasha says
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mary!
Briana Wolfenbarger says
Simply delicious!
Natasha says
Thank you!!
Tiffany says
My daughter and I loved this. We used chicken thighs and added extra lemon because we love the lemony flavor. So so good!
Natasha says
Awesome!! 🙂 Same here!
Stacy Taeckens says
If you make this many hours before eating it, would you let it cool, refrigerate, then reheat when ready?
Natasha says
Yes, but the orzo does tend to soak up liquid, so you may need to add a little more broth.
Claudia says
Absolutely delicious...smooth and creamy. Will make it again!
Natasha says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! 😀
Barb says
Tried this recipe over the weekend and have to say WOW it is so tasty, I used chicken thighs and sautéed the thighs then added the ingredients to the pot as per the recipe using chicken stock with the addition of a chicken stock cube. I added alittle to much lemon juice (and took the tang down with a teaspoon of sugar) so tasty highly recommend it as a meal.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
That's awesome to hear, Barb!! Thank you!
Laura D. says
I love this recipe and it’s a tried and true in my rotation, especially if I have a rotisserie chicken to use up. The lemon makes it so special and it’s so good leftover (my 2.5 yr old is obsessed too). If I follow your chicken noodle IP recipe but for this soup…when would you add in the rotisserie chicken?
Natasha says
Hi! I'm so glad you guys like this soup! 🙂 I'd add it in probably after releasing the pressure... just to let it warm through. If you pressure cook already cooked chicken, it'll end up really dry.
Melissa B says
Can you make this in the instant pot at all? Or is it best to be done on the stove?
Natasha says
Hi! I haven't tested it in the IP, but you could definitely experiment if you've made something similar. Timing may not be exactly the same, but you could try adapting my IP chicken noodle soup perhaps: https://bit.ly/3uiQlth
Andrea says
My favorite soup of ALL TIME! I’ve made this soup countless of times. I never do anything different and it’s just perfect as is. Thank you for always having awesome, easy recipes!!!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! 🙂 I'm thrilled it's a favorite for you, Andrea. Thanks for your kind review! 😀
Lori says
I just made this today. I Only changed it up by adding extra lemon juice. This is very simple and delicious! Thank You!
Natasha says
I'm so happy you liked it!!! 😀
Laura says
My family loved this soup. I have to double it the next time. Thank you for sharing!!
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Laura!
Barb says
Make this every couple of weeks!! I add lots of lemon juice and zest!! This is an awesome recipe❤️
Natasha says
I'm thrilled to hear that!! 🙂 Thanks, Barb!
Trynia says
I made this for my sister when she had surgery and added kale just to add some green and it was super delicious!! Planning on making this again tonight the same way and adding mushrooms as well!
Natasha says
I'm so happy it was a hit! 🙂 Hope your sister is all recovered.
Nancy Garcia says
This is absolutely divine!! I love this soup so much and so has everyone I’ve shared it with. It’s quick, easy and usually have everything I need on hand to whip it up for a quick delicious dinner. I add more lemon but otherwise i followed this to fidelity. Make this soup! You’ll be so glad you did!!
Natasha says
That's great to hear, Nancy!! Thank you for taking the time to write me a review, and I appreciate you sharing the recipe with others. 🙂
Michelle Darnell says
Never thought I’d like a soup with lemon, but this was amazing! I added about a half cup of heavy cream to make it creamy and it was to die for! Added more lemon too. I love that I can just throw uncooked orzo and chicken breasts in the pot! Great recipe!
Natasha says
I'm glad you liked it! 🙂
Liv says
Are we able to use basamati rice instead of orzo?
Natasha says
Hi Liv! You could try, but orzo is pasta so cooks at a different rate than rice. You could try but I'd be mindful it may take longer and you may need to add a bit more liquid if you notice the broth is reducing too much.
Shanda says
My whole family loved this recipe. My 5 year old can be a bit picky at times, and she literally was licking her bowl clean! It was a huge hit in our home! Thanks for the great recipe!!!
Natasha says
Aww I love that!! 😀 You're very welcome!
Kelly says
Amazing easy soup! I would have never thought lemon in soup could be good. I like this better than the traditional chicken noodle soup. It cleans out your sinuses and just tastes and smells like a healing soup. I used rotisserie chicken. Of course I had to add my own spin on it, a lot of extra lemon to taste, 1/2 cup extra orzo, whole onion and double garlic. I also added some celery salt. Loved it!
Natasha says
Thank you so much! glad you enjoyed it.
TD in NC says
This was fantastic! Only change I made was to add a bit of chopped spinach and halved the amount of orzo. Thank you for sharing.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! 🙂
Marissa says
Love the flavors in this & the fact that it’s a one pot meal! Even easier when I remember to prep the veggies the night before and can throw it all in after work. Delicious meal!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
Donna Elizabeth Gray-King says
Instead of Italian seasoning I used Penzey’s Greek seasoning and extra lemon! Delicious!
Natasha says
Excellent! Glad you enjoyed!
Kendra says
I made this n a Monday night full of sports practices and things I just had in my kitchen and my family of 3 kids and 1 big kid(husband) LOVED!!! Thank you for this!!! Made it all in my instant pot (BUT JUST ON Sauté!!!!) bic I doubled the recipe for my kids (three growing boys) and I used chicken thighs(sooo good)!! New favorite go to. THANK YOU
Natasha says
Yay!! You're welcome! 🙂
Lynsey says
So good! It has become one of the keeper recipes!! I like adding more lemon!
Natasha says
Fantastic!! 😀 Thanks for your review, Lynsey!
Lisa Price says
Love this recipe! Awesome for when My allergies are acting up! Thank you Father for all the wholesome foods You provide for us🙌🏻❤️
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Susan says
This soup was wonderful. Will be making again. I added more lemon .
Natasha says
I'm so glad to hear it! 🙂
Shari says
This is sooo good. Love it. Third time making it. Thanks for all your wonderful recipes. Haven't had one I did not love.
Natasha says
That's so nice to hear!! 🙂 I'm so happy you're enjoying my recipes! Thanks for letting me know, Shari!
Holly says
This is one of my all time favorite soup recipes! I share it with everyone. I also add a can of cream of chicken soup for a little more creaminess. I just recently started cutting calories and the serving calories are perfect, my question is, how much is a serving size? Thank you!!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you like this recipe! So, it's whatever 1/6 of the recipe works out to... I am not a trained nutritionist (or good at math lol), so I am unsure of what that works to in oz/grams/etc.
margaret schmelzer says
Absolutely delicious!
Natasha says
So glad you liked it!!
Suzie says
Tried to post a photo of heating up this soup on a gas stove in the bottom of a drift boat while fishing on a cold & windy day on the Missouri River in Montana. It saved the day!
I’ve made this soup many times and really enjoy it.
Natasha says
I'm so happy you like it, Suzie!! 🙂 Thanks for your review!
Michelle Casselberry says
Was trying to decide a supper dish for this evening and this was one I had saved in my favs to try…. The Hubs is always game for trying new recipes and he even goes by the store on his way home from
Work and gets things needed…. This was really good and we have a few leftovers and I can’t wait for lunch tomorrow…. I always like things like this better after it marries overnight…. I did add more orzo and the juice of two lemons (go big or go home) and more garlic, hubs loves the garlic!! He liked it as well went back for seconds and made a bowl for his lunch… mind you the flavor is on the light side but we enjoyed the change…. He said it was a keeper! Thanks for sharing!!!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
You're welcome, Michelle! I love extra lemon too! Thank you so much for your detailed review 🙂
KG says
This was very good and super easy to make. My husband even took the leftovers to work and he usually never does that! He kept saying it was REALLY good 😊 would def make again!
Natasha says
That's so nice to hear!! 😀 Thanks for letting me know!
Jordan says
First off - LOVE this recipe. Quick and easy.
The author is aware that the lemon dose might be too low and I couldn't agree more. Just for comparison I add about 0.5-1 cup of lemon and my family loves it. They think it's nicely balanced against the rest of the ingredients - though honestly I could do with more.
Natasha says
Thank you, Jordan! I put the note on the lemon quantity since everyone has different tastes and it's easy to add lemon but you can't subtract it. I definitely prefer it a bit more lemony myself. 🙂
Donna says
I had some homemade stock so I was looking for a good chicken orzo soup. This was fantastic! I did add more Italian seasoning than called for (and it was a wedding favor from an Italian wedding we attended, so I really have no idea exactly what was in it) and doubled the lemon juice because we like things lemony. My family loved it!
Natasha says
I'm so happy it was a hit, Donna!! Thanks for your 5-star review.
Cynthia Sweeney says
Love this recipe. Used rotisserie chicken and made a few spice modifications as I have fresh rosemary, and lemons. It is so good. No salt added. Hubby said it is delicious.
Natasha says
Awesome!!! 🙂
Kaitlin says
I made this soup a month or 2 ago and my boyfriend loved it. The lemon *chefs kiss*
I made a roast chicken last night and I will be making this soup with the leftovers.
Natasha says
That makes me so happy, Kaitlin! Thanks for letting me know!! 😀
Carrie says
10/10 soup. I added way more Italian seasoning (blend from scratch) than recipe calls for and it made it super flavorful yet still very simple and elegant. Will definitely be making this again
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Love that you make your Italian seasoning from scratch!
Shannon says
This was absolutely delicious! I added some cauliflower rice and used a little less orzo to save some calories...so so tasty!
Natasha says
Fantastic!
Kal says
Simply incredible. The punch of acid from the lemon at the end elevates this classic dish. It also reheats beautifully with a touch of chicken broth the next day to reinvigorate the soup. This will be my new “Chicken Noodle Soup” recipe. 10/10 — game changer.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
That's wonderful to hear, Kal! We're thrilled you liked the soup so much!
Michelle says
Easy and fantastic recipe!
Natasha says
Thanks so much!!
Wen says
One of, if not THE best soups I've ever made. I used the juice of 3 lemons and zest (I LOVE lemon), used chicken thighs, added peas and used extra fresh parsley. SO delicious. Will definitely be making it again
Natasha says
That's great to hear!! 🙂 Thank you!!
Lisa Levin says
I made this for me and Hubby. I've had this in restaurants but he had not. I cannot begin to tell you how much we loved it!! My hubby said thru 2 bowls "Wow" He, of course, loved the fresh lemon squeezed for the finish. I took a pic abd shared this on Facebook!!! Thank you!!
Natasha says
Aww that's so nice to hear!! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know, Lisa!
Sue says
I just made this soup and I will have to say it taste amazing so good throughly enjoyed it … Will make again I pinned it to my board….😊
Natasha says
Wonderful! Thank you, Sue!