Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
If you’re bored with regular chicken noodle soup, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a fresh and tasty change. It is light, fresh, and comforting without feeling heavy. This soup became popular because of Olive Garden and is loved for its bright, lemony flavor that feels warm and cheerful.
What Is Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?
This soup is like a lighter version of classic chicken soup. Instead of big noodles, it uses orzo, a small pasta that looks like rice. Lemon is the key ingredient—it adds a fresh, slightly sour taste that makes the soup feel clean and refreshing, not oily.
How It’s Different
- The Broth:
Most chicken soups taste salty and heavy. This one has a fresh lemon flavor that makes it feel lighter and more refreshing. - The Pasta:
Orzo stays firm as it cooks and doesn’t fall apart like regular noodles, giving the soup a better texture. - The Feel:
Even though the soup is served hot, it feels fresh and light, making it perfect for any season of the year.
Main Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this soup at home:
- Chicken:
Store-bought rotisserie chicken works great, saves time, and adds good flavor to the soup. - Broth:
Chicken broth is the base of the soup and gives it most of its rich, savory flavor. - Orzo:
This small pasta makes the soup filling and satisfying without feeling heavy. - Fresh Lemon:
Use the juice to add fresh taste and the yellow peel (zest) to give the soup a bright lemon smell. - Vegetables:
Onion, carrot, and celery add natural sweetness and help build the soup’s flavor.
Easy 4-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Heat a little butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until soft and lightly fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the broth and add the shredded chicken. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors blend well.
Step 3: Add the Orzo
Stir the orzo into the soup. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Add Lemon at the End
Turn off the heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. This keeps the lemon flavor bright and fresh.
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With It
This soup tastes great with:
- Crusty bread
- Simple green salad
- A little Parmesan cheese on top
Storing Leftovers
- In the Fridge:
Store the soup in an airtight container. It stays fresh and tastes good for about 3 days. - Reheating Tip:
Orzo absorbs liquid as it sits. When reheating, add a little water or extra broth to bring back the soup texture. - Freezing Tip:
If you plan to freeze the soup, prepare it without the orzo. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating so it stays soft and not mushy.
