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4.5 from 12 votes

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This Greek-inspired Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is bright and sunshiny, infused with fresh lemon. Tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a medley of vegetables round out these delicious bowls of soup!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 357 kcal
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium leek, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 cup orzo, uncooked
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Zest of one large lemon
  • kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
  • chopped fresh parsley, to garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add chopped onions, leeks, celery, and carrots. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Gradually pour chicken broth into pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. 
  6. Add chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Bring mixture to a simmer. Cover pot, reduce heat, and let chicken cook in simmering broth for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. 
  7. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Then shred chicken into bite-size pieces or chop it.
  8. While waiting for chicken to cool, stir orzo into the soup and continue simmering until orzo is cooked to al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Add shredded chicken to the soup.
  9. Season soup with salt & pepper to taste, then stir in fresh lemon juice and zest. Once soup is all warmed, it's time to serve.
  10. Ladle hot soup into individual bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Offer additional fresh lemon slices if desired, for even more lemon flavor.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 357kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 38g (13%) Protein 32g (64%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Cholesterol 76mg (25%) Sodium 1362mg (57%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 357

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 357kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 38g 13%
Protein 32g 64%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Cholesterol 76mg 25%
Sodium 1362mg 57%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.