Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Mince the garlic cloves and zest the lemon using a fine grater. Juice the lemon and set aside.
  3. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
  2. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, adjusting later as needed.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

  1. Stir in the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  2. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Lemon

  1. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken. Allow it to heat through for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add the fresh lemon juice, tasting as you go to adjust the tanginess to your preference.

Step 6: Incorporate Spinach (Optional)

  1. If using spinach, stir it into the soup just before serving. The residual heat will wilt the spinach, adding a boost of color and nutrition.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

  1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill or parsley for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
  2. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup:

  1. Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor—avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
  2. Cook the Orzo Separately: If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it to individual servings. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy.
  3. Add Herbs: Fresh dill complements the lemony flavor, while parsley provides a more neutral herbal note. Experiment with both to find your favorite.
  4. Make It Dairy-Free: This soup is naturally dairy-free, but you can add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra richness if desired.
  5. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combines the comfort of classic chicken soup with a bright, modern twist. Its light yet satisfying nature makes it suitable for any time of year, and the zesty lemon flavor is sure to lift your spirits. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

Give this recipe a try, and savor the vibrant, wholesome goodness in every spoonful!