Is Chicken Orzo Soup healthy?

Yes, chicken orzo soup is considered a healthy choice, especially when made with lean chicken breast, plenty of vegetables, and a light broth. The orzo adds carbohydrates for energy, while lemon provides vitamin C to support your immune system. To make it even healthier, you can use whole-wheat orzo, reduce the salt, and add more greens like spinach or kale.

Can orzo be used in chicken soup?

Absolutely! Orzo is one of the best pasta options for chicken soup because of its rice-like size and texture. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavors well, and creates a comforting yet light texture that doesn’t overwhelm the broth. Many cooks prefer orzo over rice because it feels smoother and blends more seamlessly with the other ingredients.

What are the ingredients in lemon orzo soup?

The basic ingredients for lemon chicken orzo soup include chicken (breasts, thighs, or rotisserie), orzo pasta, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Optional add-ins include spinach, Parmesan, or a splash of cream for a richer variation. These simple pantry staples combine to make a refreshing and nourishing meal.

Is rice or orzo better in soup?

Both rice and orzo work well in soups, but they create different results. Orzo provides a silky, tender bite that blends beautifully with chicken and broth, making it ideal for lemon chicken orzo soup. Rice, on the other hand, offers a more rustic and hearty texture. The choice often depends on personal preference: orzo for a smoother finish, rice for a denser feel.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – The Best Comfort Bowl

Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1-2 fresh lemons, juiced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley or dill for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

This lemon chicken orzo soup is a light yet cozy recipe made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, orzo pasta, and a splash of lemon for a refreshing twist. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and brightness—ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or soothing cold-weather cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless recommended)
1 cup orzo pasta
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
Juice of 1–2 fresh lemons (plus optional zest)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add chicken and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and set aside.
Stir orzo into the broth and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
Return shredded chicken to the pot, then stir in fresh lemon juice and herbs.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra lemon if desired.
Serve hot with fresh bread or a crisp salad.

Notes

For creamier soup, stir in ½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end.

To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

Orzo tends to absorb broth as it sits—add extra broth when reheating leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop (can also be adapted for Instant Pot)
Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 20 g

Keywords: lemon chicken orzo soup, healthy chicken soup, Mediterranean chicken soup, comforting chicken pasta soup