5-Star Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup (One Pot, 30-Minute Comfort Meal)
This 5-Star Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort meal — tender shredded chicken, bright lemon, and silky orzo come together in one pot for a nourishing 30-minute dinner. Light yet satisfying, it’s packed with protein, flavor, and warmth — perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup cooked shredded chicken (about 2 chicken breasts)
¾ cup dry orzo pasta
1 large lemon, juiced (plus extra slices for garnish)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Optional for creamy texture: 1 egg whisked with 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Orzo
Stir in the dry orzo and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender but still slightly firm.
4. Add Shredded Chicken
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and let it warm through for 3–4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Stir in Lemon Juice
Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. This adds brightness and balances the richness of the broth.
6. Optional Creamy Finish
If you’d like a creamy version, whisk together one egg and two tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl. Slowly ladle in ½ cup of the hot soup while whisking, then pour it back into the pot, stirring constantly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or a slice of Cottage Cheese Flatbread for extra protein.
Notes
For a low-carb version, replace orzo with cauliflower rice.
To store, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to thin out the texture.
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months (omit orzo before freezing).
For extra protein, stir in ½ cup of cottage cheese before serving.
Find it online: https://www.topchoicerecipes.com/5-star-chicken-lemon-orzo-soup/