Sunshine in a Bowl Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Sunshine Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Ready in Under an Hour

By Chef BakerAugust 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Brighten Your Day with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Ever get that craving for something comforting but still light and fresh? That's where lemon chicken orzo soup comes in! It’s a bowl full of sunshine.

Honestly, this soup is like a hug in a bowl.

The Zesty Story Behind This Soup

This isn't just any soup; it's inspired by the classic Greek avgolemono. Avgolemono Soup with Chicken has that incredible lemony tang.

We've added chicken and orzo to make it a complete meal. This Mediterranean Chicken Soup is seriously delicious.

This recipe is seriously easy. The easy lemon chicken soup recipe takes only 50 minutes from start to finish. It makes about 6 servings. So, it’s perfect for a family dinner.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Orzo Soup

Packed with protein and vitamins, this lemon orzo soup is good for you too. I reckon it is one of the best comfort food soup recipes .

This chicken orzo pasta soup is truly special because it balances richness and brightness, with a Mediterranean flair. It's a great way to use leftover chicken, too.

Ready to dive into the ingredients? Let's do it!

**Ingredients & Equipment: Your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Arsenal**

Alright, let's talk kit and caboodle for this epic Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup . Don't worry, you don't need a fancy chef's pantry.

We're keeping it real and manageable. This easy lemon chicken soup recipe is all about flavour, not fuss.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Orzo Soup Recipes

Here's the breakdown of what you'll need for this Mediterranean chicken soup . I've included both US and metric measurements for you guys.

Chicken : 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Fresh is best, but thawed works fine.
Olive Oil : 1 tbsp (15 ml) – extra virgin, for the best flavour.
Salt : 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) – because flavour!
Black Pepper : 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) – freshly ground, if you can.
Onion : 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g ).
Carrots : 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup/150g ).
Celery : 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup/150g ).
Garlic : 4 cloves, minced (about 2 tsp/10g ). The fresher, the better!
Chicken Broth : 8 cups (1.9 liters) – low sodium is your friend!
Orzo Pasta : 1 cup (100g) – look for good quality, not the super cheap stuff. This is an essential for Orzo Soup .
Lemons : 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 2-3 lemons).
Eggs : 2 large eggs.
Dill/Parsley : 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped fresh dill or parsley.

For the chicken, look for breasts that are plump and pink. Avoid any that look pale or have a weird smell, alright? Using fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference in this Avgolemono Soup with Chicken .

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Boost

This lemon chicken orzo soup is all about the bright, clean flavours. We're not going overboard with crazy spices. Think simple, yet impactful.

Salt and pepper are crucial. Don't be shy! Taste as you go and adjust. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice warmth, too.

If you are feeling spicy. Fresh dill or parsley is a MUST. It elevates the entire soup and brings that Greek lemon chicken soup vibe.

Don't skimp!

No dill? No worries. Parsley is a fine substitute. A squeeze more lemon juice can also brighten things up.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

Honestly, you don't need much to make this chicken orzo pasta soup . This comfort food soup recipe doesn't call for any fancy gadgets, only the basics!

Large stockpot or Dutch oven for simmering all that goodness.
Cutting board & Chef's knife for chopping veggies and shredding chicken.
Whisk crucial for tempering the eggs.
Meat thermometer (optional) to make sure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C .

Don't have a stockpot? A large saucepan will do in a pinch. No chef's knife? Just use whatever knife you're comfortable with.

See, making an Easy Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is totally achievable, even with minimal gear! This amazing Lemon Orzo Soup is so easy to make!

Cooking Up Comfort: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Honestly, folks, sometimes you just crave comfort food soup recipes . And this lemon chicken orzo soup ? It's like a warm hug in a bowl.

I was feeling a bit under the weather last week and this soup totally hit the spot. Think Greek Lemon Chicken Soup vibes meet easy weeknight dinner.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, so it’s kind of a winner all around. Did you know that chicken soup has been recommended by doctors since the 12th century to treat respiratory issues?

This Easy Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is all about bringing sunshine to your table, even when the weather is drab.

You know? Ready to ditch the blah and dive into flavour? Let's get started.

Prep Power: Getting Ready

First, let's talk mise en place . This sounds super fancy, but it just means getting everything ready before you start cooking.

Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic! Get your chicken ready to go. Squeeze those lemons fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable here, trust me on that!

Time saving tip : Chop all your veggies at once. Store them in the fridge if you're not cooking right away. Organisation for the win!

step-by-step to Soup Success

Cook the chicken. Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Sear in 1 tbsp olive oil until internal temp reaches 165° F . Set aside to cool.
Sauté the good stuff. Add another 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft. Add garlic. Cook until fragrant.
Simmer, simmer. Pour in 8 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Add 1 cup orzo. Cook until al dente . Usually, it's about 8- 10 minutes .
Shred it up. Shred the chicken into bite sized pieces while orzo cooks.
Egg-cellent move. Whisk 1/2 cup lemon juice and 2 eggs in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in a cup of hot broth, whisking constantly. This is called tempering and stops scrambled eggs!
Soup's on! Slowly pour egg mixture into the pot. Stir constantly. Add shredded chicken and 1/4 cup fresh dill. Season to taste.
Serve immediately. Ladle into bowls and enjoy.

Pro Tips for a Bowl of Deliciousness

Avoid boiling the soup after adding the egg mixture. That's how you get scrambled eggs instead of creamy soup.

If you want a Vegetarian Orzo Soup , simply remove the chicken!. Add some white beans or chickpeas instead.

You can make the Chicken Orzo Pasta Soup ahead of time, minus the egg-lemon part. Then, when you're ready to serve, just reheat it and add the egg-lemon mixture at the end.

And there you have it! A big bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup that's sure to brighten your day. This Mediterranean Chicken Soup is also a total crowd pleaser.

Let me know how yours turns out! Hope this gives you inspiration for future orzo soup recipes .

Recipe Notes: My Two Cents!

So, you wanna whip up this amazing lemon chicken orzo soup ? Awesome! It's easier than you think. I'm sharing some of my own goofy stories from testing this recipe.

No fluff, just real talk.

Plating Like a Pro (Or Not!)

Okay, let's be real. My plating skills are not Instagram worthy. However, a sprig of fresh dill on top of the Lemon Orzo Soup definitely makes it look fancier.

A swirl of good olive oil adds a touch of elegance, you know? If you are making this for a party or special occasion, I recommend a drizzle of olive oil and a small slice of lemon placed on top, for that extra zing! Serve it in a bowl with a big, inviting smile.

Sides and Sips That Rock: Honestly, this Mediterranean Chicken Soup is pretty complete. A chunk of crusty bread for dipping is essential , though.

Maybe a simple green salad if you're feeling virtuous. For drinks, a crisp white wine or even just a glass of iced tea works perfectly.

Storage Secrets (aka How Not to Waste Food)

If you've got leftovers (which is unlikely, because it's that good), they'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days .

Make sure it's in an airtight container, okay? As for freezing, I'm not a huge fan of freezing soups with pasta.

The orzo can get a bit mushy. But, if you must, freeze it in individual portions. Thaw it completely before reheating.

Reheating 101: The best way to warm it up is gently on the stovetop. Don't boil it! You can microwave it, but stir it halfway through.

Twist It Up: Your Soup, Your Rules!

Fancy making it your own? Try these! Want a veggie version? Ditch the chicken and add chickpeas for protein. Bam! Lemon Orzo Soup becomes vegetarian.

Want to up the spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Trust me, it's delicious! If you're following a Greek Lemon Chicken Soup recipe and looking for a shortcut, you can even use rotisserie chicken.

Nutrition Nuggets (Because We Care)

Okay, so this Easy Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is good for you and your soul. It's packed with protein from the chicken, and the lemon gives you a Vitamin C boost.

The orzo adds some carbs for energy. Just be mindful of the sodium levels in your broth. I always aim for low-sodium.

In general, expect about 320 calories per serving, give or take, depending on your exact ingredients. This Comfort Food Soup Recipe is truly a winner!

Give it a try! I know you'll love this Chicken Orzo Pasta Soup . Let me know what you think! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make lemon chicken orzo soup ahead of time?

You can indeed, but with a couple of caveats! The flavor of lemon chicken orzo soup actually deepens overnight, making it even tastier. However, the orzo can absorb a lot of liquid as it sits. Therefore, either add the orzo right before serving, or add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen it up.

Think of it like a culinary time travel trick!

Help! My soup is curdled after adding the egg and lemon mixture. What did I do wrong?

Ah, the dreaded curdling! This usually happens when the eggs aren't properly tempered. Tempering gently raises the eggs' temperature before adding them to the hot soup, preventing them from scrambling.

Next time, be sure to whisk the eggs and lemon juice really well, and then slowly drizzle in a cup of hot broth while constantly whisking. It's like giving those eggs a gentle spa treatment before their big soup debut.

How long does lemon chicken orzo soup last in the fridge, and how should I store it?

Your lemon chicken orzo soup will happily reside in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any funky fridge odors. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just like a good box set, it's ready to enjoy when you are!

Can I freeze this lemon chicken orzo soup?

Freezing this soup is possible, but the texture may change slightly. The orzo can become a bit mushy upon thawing. To minimize this, cook the orzo slightly less than al dente if you plan to freeze it. It's like giving it a head start on softening.

Also, the lemon flavor might mellow out, so you might want to add a touch more fresh lemon juice when reheating. The soup base (without orzo) freezes very well, and you can cook orzo when you reheat it.

I'm not a big fan of dill. What else can I use in this lemon chicken orzo soup?

No dill? No worries! Fresh parsley is a fantastic substitute. It adds a similar herbaceousness and bright flavor. A little bit of chopped chives can also work well for a mild oniony note. It's all about making the recipe your own, innit?

Is there a vegetarian version of this lemon chicken orzo soup?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add some protein and heartiness, you can include a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas. A handful of chopped spinach added at the end provides extra nutrients and color.

It's like giving your veggie soup a superhero upgrade!