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–+ servings
Lemon orzo chicken soup recipe in a pot.
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5 from 6 votes

Easiest Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (You'll Be Obsessed!)

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is fast, foolproof + SO tasty. Here's how to make Greek soup packed with lemon flavor + tender chicken!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time53 minutes
Total Time1 hour 8 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Servings: 6
Author: Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 ½ cups finely-chopped onion
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1 cup diced carrot
  • 2 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 4 tsp soy sauce or 1 tsp more kosher salt
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ¾ cup orzo
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest optional, for extra brightness
  • 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or legs
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Cook the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots with 1 tsp kosher salt. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Add chicken and broth: Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce, then add the raw chicken thighs or legs. Stir in dried parsley and remaining 1 tsp kosher salt (or 2 tsp if skipping soy sauce).
  • Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 45-55 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • Shred the chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred it with two forks, discarding the bones. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  • Cook the orzo: Stir in orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
  • Finish the soup: Stir in butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with a splash of soy sauce or extra salt, if needed.

Notes

Chicken Substitutes: Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work too, but adjust cooking time to ensure tenderness.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and a richer golden color.
Orzo Tip: If the soup thickens too much as the orzo absorbs liquid, add a splash of extra broth.
Lemon Brightness: Add more lemon juice to taste if you prefer a stronger citrus flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 556kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 2310mg | Potassium: 595mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3917IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 2mg