Craving Panera's Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup but want to skip the drive? This Copycat Panera Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe has all the creamy, lemony flavors you love, made easily in your own kitchen!Â
With tender chicken, bright veggies, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this comforting soup is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy lunch. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—no waiting in line required!
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Panera lemon chicken orzo soup
Dan and I love stopping by Panera for their Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, but we wanted to recreate it at home for those cozy nights in. After a few tweaks (and one batch of accidental casserole), I finally nailed the creamy, lemony, comforting soup we crave.
I love the Panera soup recipes and this one tastes just like the Panera version we know and love! It's even better because it’s homemade!
It's a quick meal but it doesn't compromise on flavor!
Ingredients you’ll need
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cooked chicken - you can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, etc. keep it easy!
- orzo pasta - this small pasta actually looks like rice, but it's pasta. You'll find it in the pasta section at the grocery store.
- onion, celery, carrots
and garlic - all of the aromatics, making this soup taste like it's cooked all day long. - half and
half or heavy cream - I've even used sour cream in a pinch
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview, for detailed instructions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Peel and dice the carrots and onion.
- Sauté the vegetables.
- Add the stock and lemon juice, bring to a boil.
- Next add the pasta and boil until al dente.
- Remove from heat, stir in the diced cooked chicken and cream. Heat through.
Essential tools for this recipe
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- You'll need a great soup pot - this one is my favorite!
- Soup containers for storing. There's a lot of options available. When I'm dropping off soup for a friend and don't expect the container back, I use this disposable container.
- To reheat in the microwave, I recommend one of these containers. They work great for soup or steamin gvegetables. I appreciate that there isn't just one use.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
Actually you can use either, so you choose your preference! It's a great soup to make when you have just a bit of leftover chicken meat.
Sure, why not? You could use white or brown rice. It would be a tasty substitute
You bet! Swap the cream for a non-dairy option like coconut milk. It will have a slightly different flavor, but it will be delicious!
Deb’s tips to make great soup
Stirring the orzo while it's cooking will keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. It will also release starch and help thicken the stew.
- Homemade Chicken Stock will make this soup taste even better!
- Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta as it will get mushy.
Check this out for all my tips to make great homemade soups and stews!
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Allow the soup to cool completely. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
Freezer - This soup freezes great! Again, seal tightly in the proper container and freeze up to three months.
Reheat - Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or on the stovetop until warmed through.
More chicken soup recipes
- Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - only 20 minutes and dinner is on the table? Yes please!
- Chicken Tortellini Soup with plenty of tender chicken and pasta - so good!
- Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup - ready in minutes instead of hours. This recipe rich and delicious.
- Ok... technically this is a leftover turkey soup recipe, BUT you'll love all of the veggies and goodness in this cozy soup!
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
Pair this soup with a crusty baguette for a simple meal. Talk about perfect! Here are more ideas to serve alongside the soup.
Did you try this easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup? Leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it—your feedback helps others discover it too!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 carrot chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cups shredded cooked chicken
- â…“ cup orzo pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest and juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a large stockpot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery - season with salt, pepper (red & black) and add the bay leaf. Sauté until just tender, about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute. Add the lemon juice, zest, chicken stock. Bring to a boil & add the orzo.
- Cook uncovered, stirring often - this will release the starch in the soup and help thicken it. It will also keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook until the orzo is just al dente - depending on the brand 6-9 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add the chicken, parmesan cheese and cream. Heat thru.
- Remove the bay leaf & adjust seasonings if necessary (may need a bit more salt & pepper). It's ready to serve!
Terry says
I made this tonight and it was good, but seemed to need a little something, so I added a couple of splashes of cooking sherry. (I know, I know, real sherry is better, but the last time I needed some for a recipe, the liquor store was not a convenient stop.) I poached my chicken breasts in my Instant Pot with water, lemon slices, soy sauce, salt, and some dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano; they came out great. Will definitely make this again.
Bowl Me Over says
Sounds great Terry, anything that imparts a touch of flavor is always a plus, right?!!! So glad you enjoyed this soup and thank you for letting me know!!
Liza says
Oh, this soup is amazing! Making it for dinner this weekend for sure!
Bowl Me Over says
It is fabulous and so easy, really a great meal - I hope you really enjoy this meal!
Alison says
I LOVE a good lemon chicken soup! I'll definitely be trying this dish out on a cold winter night!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful! I hope it's a soup you really enjoy Alison!!!
Jennifer Stewart says
I love chicken soup but the addition of lemon really brightens it up!
Bowl Me Over says
Mostly definitely this one is a classic! Enjoy Jennifer!
Lee Ann says
Delicious! Didn’t see where to add Parmesan cheese. Stirred in at the end. In my rotation for sure! Thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
Ooh let me check - thanks Lee Ann! I'm so glad you enjoyed this soup, it's SO good!!!
Liza says
Oh I LOVE your soups! And this one is no exception! I mean - what can be better than a nourishing one-pot meal like this soup! What a great recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks you Liza, this one is so easy and good. It’s light too and the lemon makes it refreshing. We LOVE this one, I hope you do too!
Leah says
I'm giving this a try for my Mother-in-law. She just had surgery on her mouth and can't really chew, so I thought this would be great if I omitted the veg and chicken, focus just on the very flavorful broth and orzo. She loves the avgolemono soup at a local pizza shop but Is allergic to egg, so I am trying to give her the same flavors. I think the cream will give some of the rich texture without the egg. Thanks for the recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
How kind of you to cook for her while she is healing, that's just wonderful! This soup is so delicious and flavorful, one of my very favorites! Another thing you can do is blend it all together really well - that would be very easy for her also. Just a thought! Happy Saturday to you!
Shreyashi says
Hey Deb,
This is such a beautiful way to use orzo. I think it's so under-rated.
I am pinning this for use. Will be testing out the recipe. And if it is as good as it sounds and looks, I will be featuring it in my Jan 2016 roundup. Just giving you a headsup.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
Cheers!
Bowl Me Over says
How exciting Shreyashi! I hope you really enjoy it, I know we just love this soup! (In fact I'm making some for my Mom in law again today!)
Helen Fern says
This looks really good! I would love to have you share this on my linky party -What's for Dinner!
http://www.lazygastronome.com/whats-for-dinner-sunday-link-up-27/
Helen Fern says
Thanks for sharing!!
Bowl Me Over says
You bet - excited to be invited to a new party!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you for the invite, heading your way now!
Easy Peasy Life Matters says
This soup sounds divine!!! Can't wait to give it a try! Thanks for sharing on the Let's Get Real blog hop 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Absolutely, always a great party - thank you!!
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish says
Don't mind if I do! A recipe after my own heart!!!
Bowl Me Over says
Oh yes, this is right up your alley! :D.
Lori Vachon says
I'm all over this soup! Next time my daughter is home from college I'm making a big pot of this, all of her favorite flavors!
Bowl Me Over says
She will love it Lori, I hope you get a chance to give it a try!! Thanks for stopping by!
Healing Tomato says
This is the most delicious looking soup I have seen. I am starting to use more orzo in my diet, so, it is nice to see this recipe.
Platter Talk says
Great flavor, texture, and comfort in this soup; what a fantastic job! Thanks for sharing!
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
Lemon orzo chicken soup is one of my favorites. I'm always up for trying another version! Thanks for the recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
You bet! I seen your recipe today also and it looked so delicious - great minds think alike! 😀
Debi @ Life Currents says
This looks so good. I'm pretty sure that orzo is my favorite pasta. Such a warm and comforting bowl of goodness!
Bowl Me Over says
One of my favorites too, I think it's really underused - unfortunate because it's soooo good!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
I have made this exact soup. It is such a good combination of flavors and your soup looks wonderful.
Bowl Me Over says
I hear you Peter, there are many version of this soup and for good reason, it's so wonderful! Thanks for stopping by!!
Florian @ContentednessCooking says
This looks amazing! So comforting and fresh!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Florian, I hope you give this a try!
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
The simplicity of this soup is just perfect. I love the pop of lemon. So Yum!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks KC - just love this soup!
Patty Haxton Anderson says
This sounds perfect and I'd love a bowl right now! It's cold and windy today!
Bowl Me Over says
It's cold here today too, but I bet your cold is lots colder Patty - I've turned into a whimp since I moved from the Midwest, I like my Fresno winters much better! I hope you enjoy the soup!