One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, bright, and utterly satisfying soup, you have to try this One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect bowl of sunshine on a chilly day or whenever you want something both nourishing and full of vibrant flavor. Imagine tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and a refreshing citrusy zing from fresh lemon juice, all mingling together in one pot for an effortless yet impressive meal. This soup manages to be hearty without weighing you down, making it a timeless favorite that feels like a warm hug with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in crafting the comforting, fresh, and wholesome qualities of this soup. From the aromatic vegetables that build depth, to the lemon that adds a refreshing brightness, and the orzo providing just the right texture, every component shines.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to a perfect tenderness.
• Onion: Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic base for the soup.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness and bright color enhance both the flavor and appearance.
• Celery: Brings a subtle earthy crunch that balances the carrots nicely.
• Garlic: Infuses the soup with warm, fragrant notes.
• Chicken stock: The foundation of the soup’s savory depth and body.
• Water: Adjusts the soup’s consistency to your liking.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens and lifts every ingredient with a beautiful citrus zing.
• Chicken breast: Tender and protein-packed, it’s the heart of the dish.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that adds an herby warmth.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
• Lemon zest (optional): Adds an extra pop of lively lemon aroma.
• Bay leaf (optional): Offers subtle, nuanced earthiness while simmering.
• Orzo pasta: Small, delightfully tender pasta that soaks up all those flavors beautifully.
• Chopped parsley: Freshens and garnishes the soup with a pop of green.

How to Make One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5–7 minutes until these veggies begin to soften and release their lovely aromas. This slow sauté develops the flavor base you want for a soulful soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; garlic is delicate and you want just that lovely warm hint of it.

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken stock and water to your preferred soup consistency. Add the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and bay leaf if you’re using it. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer so the flavors can start to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

If you’re using raw chicken breasts, add them directly to the simmering pot. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fully cooked through. If you’re opting for pre-cooked chicken, just skip ahead to the next step for a speedier prep.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the soup once cooked and shred them using two forks. This shredding makes those tender bites of chicken easy to mix back into the soup for even distribution.

Step 6: Add Orzo and Lemon Juice

Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add the uncooked orzo pasta and fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together and allow it to cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo becomes perfectly tender and plump, soaking up those delicious broth flavors.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Give the soup a good taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your preferences. If you’re using lemon zest, gently stir it in now to amplify the citrus notes without overpowering the soup.

Step 8: Remove the Bay Leaf

Take out the bay leaf and discard it—that subtle herbaceous note has done its job, and now it’s time to enjoy the fully seasoned soup without any extra bits.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Your effort has paid off—you’re ready to enjoy a dish that’s bursting with wholesome goodness.

How to Serve One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Garnishes

The bright, fresh parsley garnish truly elevates this soup with a herbaceous crunch that complements the lemon notes beautifully. For an extra special touch, add a little sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to finish off the dish with creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own but pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of broth. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette also adds refreshing contrast to the soup’s comforting warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in charming rustic bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side for an interactive citrus boost at the table. For a cozy gathering, ladle into mini soup crocks or even hollowed-out bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the orzo tends to soak up broth, the soup will thicken overnight. Simply add a splash of water or chicken stock when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the orzo may become softer after thawing. If freezing, remove any as much orzo as possible before freezing, or freeze the soup without pasta and cook fresh orzo separately when serving.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a bit of water or stock if it feels too thick. Stir frequently to warm it evenly while preserving the soup’s bright lemon flavor and tender chicken texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred it and add it after cooking the vegetables and broth, then proceed with adding orzo and lemon juice.

Is orzo the best pasta to use here?

Orzo works beautifully because it cooks quickly and has a delicate texture that complements the soup. However, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini if preferred.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add lemon juice as usual to keep that bright flavor.

How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

To avoid mushy orzo, add it towards the end of cooking and keep an eye on the cooking time. Cooking it for 8 to 10 minutes should yield perfectly tender but not overdone pasta.

Can I adjust the lemon flavor?

Certainly! The fresh lemon juice is added to taste, so feel free to increase or decrease it according to your love for citrus. Adding lemon zest at the end also boosts the lemon aroma without making it too tart.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels effortlessly fancy yet comes together with everyday ingredients and a simple process. It’s the kind of soup you’ll want to make over and over, whether for a quick weeknight meal or to share with loved ones on a cozy afternoon. So grab your pot, squeeze that lemon, and get ready to savor every bright, delicious spoonful!

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