The Story & Intro
Bonjour my friends! š Iām Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America š«š·ā”ļøšŗšø. Ever since I could reach the countertop, Iāve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking š°š. Cooking isnāt just my passion itās my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.
And today, Iām wrapping you in a warm, lemony hug with my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup šš. This is one of those recipes that feels like home the moment the pot starts simmering. I still remember the first time I made lemon chicken orzo soup on a chilly afternoon when I was missing family, familiar accents, and slow dinners that lasted for hours. The scent of lemon zest and chicken broth instantly calmed my heart.
This lemon chicken orzo soup has everything I adore in comfort food tender chicken, silky orzo, bright lemon, and a broth that tastes like itās been simmering all day (even when it hasnāt š). Itās inspired by Mediterranean flavors, a little French technique, and the kind of cozy meals my grandmother believed could fix almost anything.
If youāve never made lemon chicken orzo soup before, donāt worry. This recipe is simple, forgiving, and perfect for beginners. And if youāre already a soup lover? I promise this lemon chicken orzo soup will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
So grab your favorite soup pot, tie your apron, and letās make something warm, nourishing, and full of love š«¶š².
š Ingredients Youāll Need
One of the reasons I love this lemon chicken orzo soup so much is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. Nothing fancy just honest food that works beautifully together.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra richness)
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic cloves
- Chicken broth (low sodium is best)
- Orzo pasta
- Fresh lemons (juice + zest š)
- Egg yolks (optional but traditional and creamy)
- Fresh dill or parsley
- Salt and black pepper
- Bay leaf
Each ingredient plays a role, and together they create that cozy, silky texture that makes lemon chicken orzo soup so irresistible.
š©āš³ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the flavor base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook gently until softened and fragrant about 5ā7 minutes. This is where the magic begins āØ.
Step 2: Add garlic and chicken
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Nestle the chicken breasts right into the vegetables. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Simmer
Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. This keeps the lemon chicken orzo soup hearty and satisfying.
Step 5: Add orzo
Stir in the orzo and let it cook directly in the broth. This gives the soup that creamy, comforting texture without cream.
Step 6: Lemon magic āØ
Lower the heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust seasoning. If using egg yolks, temper them with hot broth, then slowly stir them in for a velvety finish.
Step 7: Finish and serve
Add chopped dill or parsley, remove the bay leaf, and serve hot with extra lemon on the side š.
ā±ļø Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Perfect for weeknights or lazy Sundays.
š½ļø Serving Suggestions
This lemon chicken orzo soup is wonderful all on its own, but I love serving it with:
- Warm crusty bread or baguette š„
- A simple Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Crackers or pita chips
Itās also amazing the next day the flavors deepen, and the soup becomes even cozier.
š Notes & Tips
- If the soup thickens too much, just add more broth or water.
- Chicken thighs make it richer, breasts keep it lighter.
- Donāt skip fresh lemon bottled juice just isnāt the same.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze without orzo for best texture.
š Recipe Card
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
ā±ļø Time
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 45 min
š Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Ā¾ cup orzo
- Juice & zest of 2 lemons
- 2 egg yolks (optional)
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh dill or parsley
š©āš³ Instructions
- SautƩ vegetables in olive oil until soft.
- Add garlic, chicken, broth, and bay leaf.
- Simmer until chicken cooks through.
- Shred chicken and return to pot.
- Add orzo and cook until tender.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and egg yolks if using.
- Garnish and serve warm.
š½ļø Nutrition
Approx. 320 calories per serving, high in protein and comforting goodness š
Conclusion
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is more than just a recipe itās a bowl of comfort, a reminder to slow down, and a way to care for the people you love. Whether youāre feeling under the weather, feeding your family, or simply craving something warm and bright, this soup always delivers.
From my heart (and kitchen) to yours bon appĆ©tit, my friends š„£š.
