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Home » Recipes » Soups and Stews

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Published: Jan 25, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 40 Comments

We love this fresh, creamy soup. Filled with tender chicken and pasta the lemony sauce has amazing flavor.
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Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a healthy, fresh soup bursting with bright lemony flavor! A cozy soup filled with delicious vegetables, tender orzo pasta and hearty chunks of chicken, Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is pure comfort food and ready in less than 30 minutes!

A white bowl filled with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is quick and easy to make!
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Tips to make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
  • More chicken soup recipes
  • Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
  • Story

Why you'll love this recipe

✔️ It's a quick meal but it doesn't compromise on flavor.

✔️ I love this meal (and i think you will too!) because most of the time I make it, I'm utilizing leftovers. It only takes a bit of chicken - white meat or dark meat, either will work.

✔️ This is a satisfying meal to serve for an easy lunch. Paired with a salad, it's a delicious dinner! I know you're going to love it!

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • leftover cooked chicken - using cooked chicken keeps the cooking time to a minimum.
  • orzo pasta - small pasta that actually looks like rice, but it's pasta!
  • onion, celery, carrots and garlic - all of the aromatics, making this soup taste like it's cooked all day long.
  • chicken stock - for flavor
  • half and half or heavy cream - I've even used sour cream in a pinch
  • parmesan cheese - for salty flavor and cheesy goodness.
  • one lemon - to give this soup just the right amount of tang.

Instructions

This is an overview, for detailed instructions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Peel and dice the carrots and onion.
  2. Sauté the vegetables.
  3. Add the stock and lemon juice, bring to a boil.
  4. Next add the pasta and boil until al dente.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in the diced cooked chicken and cream.
A white bowl filled with Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
The broth in this soup is light and lemony!

Tips to make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

  • Homemade Chicken Stock will make this soup taste even better!
  • 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.
  • Wash the lemon well before zesting.
  • Avoid overcooking the pasta as it will get mushy.
A white bowl filled with Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe with breadsticks.
Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is easy to make!

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.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in bowl with spoon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 8 votes

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

We love this fresh, creamy soup. Filled with tender chicken and pasta the lemony sauce has amazing flavor.
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time25 mins
Course: Soups and Stews
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 363kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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
  • ⅓ 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

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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!

Notes

* If you like a really thick stew rather than soup, increase the amount of pasta to ½ cup.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 865mg | Potassium: 498mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3115IU | Vitamin C: 4.6mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 1mg
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Story

I'm serving up another amazing soup today! Dan and I have been devouring this soup for the last week! If you love chicken noodle soup, then you'll really love the Italian version - Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!

A light lemony broth, with veggies, tender chicken and orzo pasta, mmmm!

I was talking to my Mom about carbs and pasta. Specifically, the best way to enjoy them in your diet without overdoing it. Many of our family members are diabetic, so carbs are always a concern.

Mom was saying when she makes spaghetti, she only uses about a nickel's worth of dry pasta (unlike me who pours the whole box in) for just the two of us....

So along these lines, when I was working on this recipe, I've made it more times than I can count. The first time I made it I made a HUGE batch and (wrote the recipe accordingly) using 3 quarts of chicken stock and well....since it's just Dan and I, we ate this for days.

The second time I made this I used less chicken stock but did not adequately reduce the amount of pasta! I ended up with a lemony orzo chicken casserole rather than soup, which though quite delicious, was not what I was going for either...

Just like Goldilocks and The Three Bears, the third time was just right!

I reduced the orzo to ⅓ of a cup (seriously down from the full cup I started with). Resulting in a creamy, lemony, light soup filled with the perfect amount of pasta!

More Soup and Stew Recipes

  • Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup
  • Great Soup Recipes You Can Make at Home!
  • Crockpot Poor Man's Stew
  • Busy Day Soup Recipe

About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Terry

    September 19, 2019 at 4:34 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 20, 2019 at 8:13 pm

      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!!

      Reply
  2. Liza

    January 11, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    5 stars
    Oh, this soup is amazing! Making it for dinner this weekend for sure!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 13, 2019 at 11:59 am

      It is fabulous and so easy, really a great meal - I hope you really enjoy this meal!

      Reply
  3. Alison

    January 10, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    5 stars
    I LOVE a good lemon chicken soup! I'll definitely be trying this dish out on a cold winter night!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 13, 2019 at 11:59 am

      Wonderful! I hope it's a soup you really enjoy Alison!!!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer Stewart

    January 09, 2019 at 9:01 am

    5 stars
    I love chicken soup but the addition of lemon really brightens it up!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 13, 2019 at 11:59 am

      Mostly definitely this one is a classic! Enjoy Jennifer!

      Reply
  5. Lee Ann

    December 16, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    Delicious! Didn’t see where to add Parmesan cheese. Stirred in at the end. In my rotation for sure! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 18, 2018 at 8:10 am

      Ooh let me check - thanks Lee Ann! I'm so glad you enjoyed this soup, it's SO good!!!

      Reply
  6. Liza

    February 21, 2018 at 12:34 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 21, 2018 at 7:47 pm

      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!

      Reply
  7. Leah

    February 20, 2016 at 6:12 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 20, 2016 at 7:21 am

      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!

      Reply
  8. Shreyashi

    January 18, 2016 at 4:30 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 18, 2016 at 11:17 am

      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!)

      Reply
  9. Helen Fern

    January 17, 2016 at 9:06 am

    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/

    Reply
    • Helen Fern

      January 17, 2016 at 2:20 pm

      Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        January 17, 2016 at 7:38 pm

        You bet - excited to be invited to a new party!

        Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 17, 2016 at 7:37 pm

      Thank you for the invite, heading your way now!

      Reply
  10. Easy Peasy Life Matters

    January 15, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    This soup sounds divine!!! Can't wait to give it a try! Thanks for sharing on the Let's Get Real blog hop 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 17, 2016 at 7:33 pm

      Absolutely, always a great party - thank you!!

      Reply
  11. Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish

    January 15, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    5 stars
    Don't mind if I do! A recipe after my own heart!!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 17, 2016 at 7:33 pm

      Oh yes, this is right up your alley! :D.

      Reply
  12. Lori Vachon

    January 15, 2016 at 7:48 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 17, 2016 at 7:29 pm

      She will love it Lori, I hope you get a chance to give it a try!! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  13. Healing Tomato

    January 15, 2016 at 7:05 am

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  14. Platter Talk

    January 15, 2016 at 6:28 am

    5 stars
    Great flavor, texture, and comfort in this soup; what a fantastic job! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  15. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life

    January 14, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    Lemon orzo chicken soup is one of my favorites. I'm always up for trying another version! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 14, 2016 at 8:47 pm

      You bet! I seen your recipe today also and it looked so delicious - great minds think alike! 😀

      Reply
  16. Debi @ Life Currents

    January 14, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    This looks so good. I'm pretty sure that orzo is my favorite pasta. Such a warm and comforting bowl of goodness!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 14, 2016 at 8:48 pm

      One of my favorites too, I think it's really underused - unfortunate because it's soooo good!

      Reply
  17. peter @feedyoursoultoo

    January 14, 2016 at 10:08 am

    I have made this exact soup. It is such a good combination of flavors and your soup looks wonderful.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 14, 2016 at 8:49 pm

      I hear you Peter, there are many version of this soup and for good reason, it's so wonderful! Thanks for stopping by!!

      Reply
  18. Florian @ContentednessCooking

    January 14, 2016 at 10:05 am

    This looks amazing! So comforting and fresh!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 14, 2016 at 8:49 pm

      Thanks Florian, I hope you give this a try!

      Reply
  19. KC the Kitchen Chopper

    January 14, 2016 at 9:53 am

    The simplicity of this soup is just perfect. I love the pop of lemon. So Yum!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 14, 2016 at 8:50 pm

      Thanks KC - just love this soup!

      Reply
  20. Patty Haxton Anderson

    January 14, 2016 at 9:46 am

    This sounds perfect and I'd love a bowl right now! It's cold and windy today!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 14, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      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!

      Reply

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