Print

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A spoonful of shredded chicken and orzo is lifted from a bowl of Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, garnished with parsley.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make a comforting, bright soup featuring shredded chicken, orzo pasta, and a rich, tangy lemon broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux base.
  4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the shredded chicken, orzo pasta, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Heat through gently for 2 minutes, but do not allow the soup to boil after adding the cream.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • To prevent the cream from curdling, always add it when the soup is at a low simmer, not a rolling boil.
  • You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken breast to save time.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, cook the orzo slightly longer or add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorvista.com/creamy-lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/