Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1 cup carrots, chopped; 1 cup celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 1.5 lbs uncooked chicken breasts; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup uncooked orzo; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 4 cups kale leaves, roughly chopped

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially one that dances with bright lemon flavors and tender chicken. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is just that—a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and hearty all in one pot. It’s incredibly satisfying and comes together easier than you might think!

A white bowl filled with chicken soup showing many layers: white small pasta pieces at the bottom mixed with shredded white chicken pieces, bright orange carrot chunks scattered evenly, dark green kale leaves sitting on top, translucent celery pieces, all floating in light yellow broth with specks of black pepper and green herbs. A long golden spoon stands in the soup and some green herbs are sprinkled around the bowl on a white marbled surface, next to a striped cloth and another white bowl with chopped green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe more times than I can count—especially when I’m looking for something cozy that’s also packed with bright, fresh flavors. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to for its simplicity and versatility in any season.

One-Pot Wonder: It all cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Zesty Freshness: The lemon juice and zest add a lively brightness that wakes up the whole soup.
Nutritious and Filling: Loaded with lean chicken, fresh veggies, and kale for a nourishing meal.
Comfort Food Meets Summer Vibes: Cozy enough for chilly nights but fresh enough to enjoy year-round.

A white pot filled with a warm soup showing several layers of ingredients: on the bottom, pale yellow broth; mixed in are small, short pasta pieces in light yellow; bright orange carrot slices are scattered throughout, adding color; leafy dark green kale pieces sit on top and around the pasta and carrots; shredded light beige chicken pieces are spread across the soup; small bits of green herbs and black pepper sprinkle on the surface for texture; the pot rests on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe plays a part in building layers of flavor. The combination of aromatic vegetables, hearty chicken, and bright lemon creates a soup that feels both wholesome and refreshing. Shopping tip: get fresh kale and a juicy lemon for the best zing.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a whole yellow onion with papery skin, a handful of bright orange chopped carrots, a small pile of fresh green celery stalks with leaves, three unpeeled garlic cloves, a whole raw chicken breast with pale pink flesh, fresh green oregano and thyme sprigs, a single shiny dark green bay leaf, a white ceramic bowl filled with uncooked ivory orzo pasta, a whole bright yellow lemon with smooth skin, and a loose bunch of roughly chopped dark green kale leaves, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften your veggies beautifully.
Onion: Provides a savory base and sweetness when cooked down.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
Celery: Offers a mild bitterness and crunch that balance the sweetness of carrots.
Garlic: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that enhances every bite.
Chicken broth: The heart of the soup’s flavor—rich and comforting.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that stays tender when simmered right.
Oregano & thyme: Classic herbs that infuse warmth and earthiness.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal aroma that deepens the soup’s character.
Orzo: Small pasta that cooks quickly and thickens the broth slightly.
Lemon (zested and juiced): The star ingredient that brightens the entire bowl.
Kale leaves: Adds color, nutrients, and a slight bitterness for balance.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes. I often swap kale for spinach when it’s on hand, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a little heat. Feel free to experiment!

Variation: Try adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill at the end for an herbaceous twist I discovered after making this for my family—totally elevates the brightness!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics until soft and fragrant

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in your favorite soup pot. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Stir occasionally and cook until you can smell their sweet aroma and they’ve softened nicely—about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds more; you don’t want it to burn and turn bitter.

Step 2: Build the broth and cook the chicken

Pour in the chicken broth, nestle in the chicken breasts whole, and sprinkle in oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, plus the bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let this simmer for about 15 minutes so the chicken cooks through and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add the orzo & cook until tender

Remove the lid and stir in the orzo. Let the soup continue to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes more—it’s done when the orzo is al dente and tender. This timing keeps the texture just right without overcooking the pasta.

Step 4: Shred the chicken and finish with lemon and kale

Take the chicken breasts out and shred them with two forks or chop them up—whichever you prefer. Return the chicken to the pot along with freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and the chopped kale leaves. Give everything a good stir, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy that bright, comforting bowl!

Top Tip

After making this soup dozens of times, I’ve learned a few things that really help bring out the best flavors and textures. These simple tweaks can make a world of difference.

Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The zest adds oils and aroma that juice alone can’t provide—always add both for full brightness.
Orzo Timing Matters: Add your orzo toward the end to avoid mushy pasta; if you plan leftovers, cook it slightly less than al dente.
Simmering Is Key: Gentle simmer rather than rolling boil ensures tender chicken and clear broth, preventing cloudiness.
Kale Upgrade: Sturdy kale quietly softens in the hot broth but keeps enough texture, unlike spinach which wilts immediately—both work, but kale holds up better if you reheat leftovers.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping my soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a few twists of black pepper. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of grated Parmesan really takes it to the next level. A slice of lemon on the side adds a nice touch for those who want an extra zing.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve crusty bread or garlic toast—perfect for sopping up every last bit of that lemony broth. A simple green salad with vinaigrette also pairs beautifully if you want to add some freshness alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this soup in individual rustic bowls garnished with microgreens and a lemon twist. Pairing it with a bright white wine and placing a small vase of fresh herbs on the table always impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have melded. Just add a little extra broth or water if it thickens up too much overnight.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I recommend freezing it before adding the kale and lemon juice—then add those fresh ingredients when reheating to keep the brightness and texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For leftovers with orzo, adding an extra splash of broth or water helps loosen the soup back to its perfect consistency. Freshen up with an extra squeeze of lemon and a handful of kale if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and stay juicy, but adjust the cooking time slightly until they’re tender and easily shredded.

Is it okay to use store-bought broth?

Yes, store-bought broth works well. Just choose a low-sodium option so you can control seasoning better and keep the soup from becoming too salty.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding extra beans or tofu can help maintain protein content.

Why does the soup sometimes get cloudy?

A gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil helps keep the broth clear. Stirring occasionally and not breaking up the chicken too much during cooking also prevents cloudiness.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s that comforting hug you need on a busy day or a treat for your taste buds any time of year. I love sharing it because it’s simple, healthy, and so flexible. Give it a try—you'll enjoy the fresh lemony burst alongside hearty chicken and tender veggies, all swirling together in a luscious bowl. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds!