Description
Spring Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light, fresh, and comforting soup made with tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a bright lemony broth. Perfect for a cozy yet refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Optional: fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken & broth: Place chicken into the pot and pour in broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred it with forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add orzo: Stir in orzo and cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Add lemon & greens: Stir in lemon juice, zest, herbs, and spinach or kale. Cook until greens are wilted.
- Season & serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream at the end. You can also substitute rice for orzo or add peas/asparagus for a seasonal twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, spring soup, healthy soup
