Name: Cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – Quick & Easy Comfort in a Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached); 3/4 cup orzo pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; salt and black pepper to taste; juice and zest of 1–2 fresh lemons; 2 cups baby spinach (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Description

This bright and flavorful lemon chicken orzo soup combines tender shredded chicken, light orzo pasta, and a refreshing squeeze of lemon for a quick, comforting meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)

3/4 cup orzo pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced celery

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup water

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

salt and black pepper to taste

juice and zest of 1–2 fresh lemons

2 cups baby spinach (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.

2. Add garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant.

3. Pour in chicken broth and water, add bay leaf, salt, and pepper, then bring to a boil.

4. Stir in orzo and simmer until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.

5. Add shredded chicken and heat through.

6. Remove bay leaf and stir in lemon juice and zest.

7. If using, add spinach or dill and cook until greens are wilted.

8. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: soup
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: lemon chicken orzo soup, easy soup recipes, homemade soup recipe, quick soup recipes, orzo soup recipes, comfort soup, lemon soup, chicken soup, weeknight dinner, light soup