Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

Nick France
January 13, 2026
11:50 pm
0 comments

Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup is a comforting, nourishing dish that brings together tender chicken, delicate orzo, and bright lemon in a light yet satisfying broth. Perfect for a chilly evening or anytime you need something soothing, this soup balances warmth and freshness in every spoonful. The small pasta shape adds heartiness without heaviness, making it a bowl you can enjoy generously and often.

This is the kind of soup that feels familiar the moment you taste it — simple ingredients, cooked gently, and meant to restore rather than impress.

What Makes Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup So Special

What makes Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup special is its balance of comfort and brightness. The chicken and broth provide warmth and depth, while lemon lifts the entire dish, keeping it fresh and light. Orzo plays a quiet but important role, giving the soup body and texture without overpowering the broth.

This is food with purpose. It’s meant to be calming, nourishing, and enjoyed slowly. Whether it’s a cold evening, a long day, or just a moment when you want something honest and comforting, this soup delivers exactly what it promises — no extras required.

Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

Recipe by Nick FranceCourse: PrimiCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion minced
3 large carrots peeled and diced
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
¼ cup white wine (60ml)
½ juice of a lemon
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken thighs
8oz Orzo pasta
Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan (to serve)

Directions

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and add the vegetables, rosemary, and bay. Sauté the veg until the onion is soft and translucent, then add the white wine. Let the wine reduce by half, then add the chicken stock.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and continue to simmer the veg for about 25-30 minutes until soft.
Once softened, add the shredded roast chicken and orzo pasta. Simmer until the pasta is cooked (about 5 minutes). Finally, add the juice of half a lemon and season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

Wine Pairing:

Not every dish needs a wine pairing. Some meals are best enjoyed simply, with a spoon, a warm bowl, and a moment to slow down.

Don't just make this recipe; experience it. This isn't just a meal—it's a moment. A chance to slow down, savor a timeless flavor, and share it with those you love. So, put on some music, pour a glass of wine, and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Because, as I always say, "to eat well is to live well," and this dish is the perfect place to start.

Buon appetito!

Ciao a tutti! I’m Nick, an Italian-American home chef with roots in Brooklyn and Long Island. My love for cooking began in the kitchens I grew up in. For me, it's about sharing my family and heritage with you.

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Eat Pasta Like An Italian.

(Mangia La Pasta Come Un Italiano)

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