Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is so light we eat it year round. Usually, people associate soups with cold, dreary, wintry days but our soup has a bright lemony taste. Chicken noodle soup is probably the tops in comfort food and who doesn’t need a little comfort throughout the year?
This is simply a version of that soup.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in Bowl
It’s funny, but when I was growing up, some kind of soup bubbling on the stove was a constant in our Italian home. At that time I didn’t appreciate all the wonderful benefits of it.
Simmering some meat with vegetables and flavorings in water then adding a starch would go a long way to feeding the four of us.
Simmering some meat with vegetables and flavorings in water then adding a starch would go a long way to feeding the four of us.
It was nutritious; it was economical.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup First Step
My parents watched every penny . . . nothing was wasted! It seemed chicken was a staple in our house and Sunday was my mom’s specialty, her chicken broth with gnocchi. My brother and I would sometimes complain “Zuppa, di nuovo“? {Soup, again?} Mamma would just smile and say, “Mangia!”
And we would, reluctantly at first, but because it tasted so good, we eagerly finished the entire bowlful.
It was definitely comforting!
Every time mamma served anything . . . it was made with love. She believed good food was the magic elixir to good health.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – All Our Way
Even today there is something very comforting about sipping Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. There’s a satisfaction, a contentment.
This recipe is not difficult although it does take two days. We make the broth from a whole chicken the first day, remove the chicken from the broth and let the liquid cool. The chicken and broth are refrigerated overnight.
Then, the next day we assemble the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. It comes together fairly quickly since the main ingredients are already cooked. The diced vegetables cook in about 15 minutes and the pasta is cooked separately then added to the soup.
This is one of our family’s favorite soups — we hope it will become one of yours.
Mangia bene; Sta bene { Eat well, be well }
Tutti a tavolo è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- o1 4-pound whole chicken
- 2 carrots peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 celery stalks cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion peeled and sliced
- 6 garlic cloves crushed
- 4 sprigs fresh Italian parsley
- 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups water
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/3 chopped carrot
- 1 1/4 cups chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 Box 32 oz. Chicken Broth or Stock
- 8 ounces uncooked orzo rice-shaped pasta
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
- 2 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Lemon wedges optional
- Coarsely cracked black pepper optional
Instructions
- Remove and discard giblets and neck from chicken. Place chicken in a large Dutch oven. Add the 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, sliced onion, 6 garlic cloves, 4 sprigs parsley, whole black peppercorns, and bay leaves to pan. Add 6 cups water; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour.
- Remove chicken from pan; place chicken in a colander over large bowl. Let it cool and drain for 20 minutes. Discard skin; remove chicken from bones, discard bones. Chop chicken into bite-size pieces; cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight. Strain broth mixture through a sieve into a large bowl; discard solids. Cool broth mixture to room temperature then cover and refrigerate overnight. Next day skim fat from surface and discard the fat.
- In the Dutch oven heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped carrots, onions and celery. Saute the vegetables in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Measure the broth and add enough of the boxed chicken broth to measure 9 cups and add the salt. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add reserved chopped chicken and simmer 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Keep warm.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Add pasta to pan with chicken and broth mixture; stir in parsley, rind, and juice.* Garnish and each serving with lemon wedges and cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- *We sometimes add 1 1/2 cups baby spinach along with the parsley, rind, and juice.
- Adapted from a Cooking Light recipe - December 2008
Nutrition
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Cheese Curd In Paradise says
December 30, 2018 at 10:08 amI love lemon in my chicken soup and this is loaded with hearty chicken and veggies as well. Perfect for a cold and chilly night!
Danielle Wolter says
December 30, 2018 at 10:05 amThis sounds just perfect for a cold winter day. I love chicken lemon soup, and orzo is such a fun pasta. Great recipe!
Claudia Lamascolo says
December 29, 2018 at 1:47 pmThis is pure comfort in a bowl. My mom made something similar with lemon but I really don’t remember it. I think if I make this it would jar that memory of childhood soups I loved. Mom had me when she was 45 and really always worked but boy do I ever remember a homemade orzo soup with lemon in it. I think she added a beaten egg too while it was boiling. Amazing soup cant wait to make it.
Donna says
August 1, 2018 at 10:55 pmI am definitely a soup anytime of year person. It can be 100+ degrees here in sacramento and I will still be eating my soup. If only the kids appreciated my love for it 🙂 This sounds delightful, and I love how the lemon lightens everything up, making is suitable for any season!
Marisa Franca says
August 3, 2018 at 5:15 pmHey, Donna! The lemon does lighten up the soup and give it that fresh flavor. Let me know how you like it.
Sean@Diversivore says
July 31, 2018 at 12:28 amThere must be something about kids and not appreciating soup. I feel like my kids are like this. I can make the most amazing soup, loaded with everything that they love, but it’s still “Oh… soup.” Ah well, I guess they’ll appreciate it some day right? Hah. In any case, this is lovely stuff. I love orzo in soup, and I adore the combination of lemon and chicken. Lemon adds such a nice little kick that just balances everything out so nicely. So yeah – here’s to soup.
Dana says
July 30, 2018 at 9:11 amOh goodness Marissa, this sounds fabulous. Can you believe I’ve never used orzo before? This looks like the perfect reason to start!
Adding a splash of lemon to chicken soup is totally where it’s at. The acidity just brightens all of the other flavors so well!
I love summer and all, but I’m already looking forward to soup weather. I mean, I eat soup all year long, but I don’t put much focus on making new kinds until the cooler weather arrives. But dang. This is going into my rotation!
Carmy says
July 29, 2018 at 8:45 pmNot going to lie, I’m very much looking forward to fall so I can have hearty fall soups in my belly! I love lemon chicken orzo but haven’t made it in soup form so I cannot wait to try this! I know I’ll love it!
Stef says
July 29, 2018 at 4:12 pmWe only had chicken soup at the holidays at my house growing up. But, now I definitely have it more often. I love the idea of lemony flavor for summer! And, as soon as I’m done with this comment I want to click over to your soup with gnochi recipe. That’s right up my alley!
Julia says
July 28, 2018 at 1:21 pmLovely story from your childhood! Soup is definitely one of those meals that can really stretch the ingredients, save money and provide tons of flavour, nutrition, and nourishment to a family. I love the addition of lemon juice to brighten up the flavours. It is totally something that I would eat any season of the year, even when it’s hot!
Tina says
July 27, 2018 at 11:21 amSoup is the secret to good health, and good food too:) I love the clean flavors of this soup. I haven’t used orzo before, I think I just needed to see it in a recipe first. I will definitely try that. Saving this, with these hot days, I can’t wait for Fall. We have fours seasons here so soup is aplenty in our house. In fact, I think soup is my favorite food of all time. One addition I like to use at the last 5 minutes of cooking is a pinch of cayenne. My husband likes the touch of heat and my allergies like cayenne. I do this to most of my soups. I also use fresh lemon juice in brothy soups at the end for freshness like this recipe. It’s that little bit of freshness that makes a difference. Thanks for this great recipe!
Marisa Franca says
July 27, 2018 at 3:05 pmI agree, Tina! And we too like our cayenne. Gives everyone that added kick!
Gloria says
July 25, 2018 at 5:39 pmI am loving the summer weather (even the HOT HOT HOT days). The cold will set in soon enough. When that happens…soup will be a staple. Funny…for some reason I made soup today. This sounds like one I really need to try. Love the flavour combination…and orzo is fun to cook (and eat).
Lisa says
July 25, 2018 at 8:55 amWe grew up in very much the same way — nothing went to waste and we made use of every scrap of food. I didn’t know that my Mom was being frugal. It was just normal for us. This lemony chicken orzo soup is just the kind of comfort food that reminds me of my childhood and I can see why its a family favorite for you.
Karyn Ryan says
September 11, 2017 at 10:35 pmWow ..I love you recipes Marissa a and this is another brilliant one. The Lemon in the soup is a lovely twist
Catherine says
September 11, 2017 at 11:55 amMarisa, this soup looks and sounds divine! This would be perfect for tonight..sure to hit the spot!
Marisa Franca says
September 11, 2017 at 2:06 pmHello, Catherine! You’re right! There is nothing like a good hot bowl of soup to bring some good old comfort! Have a nice day!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
September 11, 2017 at 12:28 amMan, I could so use a massive bowl of this right now! Such amazing ingredients, make an awesome soup. Perfect for Fall!
Marisa Franca says
September 11, 2017 at 2:13 pmHi, Kylee! We do like our greens, in fact, this recipe is so quick and easy sometimes we make spinach the same way.
Teri says
September 10, 2017 at 9:10 pmPutting this recipe in my must-try file. I absolutely love the combination of chicken and lemon and have never put it together in a soup. And the orzo, nice addition.
Marisa Franca says
September 11, 2017 at 2:14 pmThank you, Teri! The lemon does bring a brightness to the flavor. Try the lemon the next time you make chicken soup.
Ashley - Forking Up says
September 10, 2017 at 8:22 pmThis soup looks like the ultimate comfort food. I haven’t had orzo in years but I think it’d be delicious in this!
Marisa Franca says
September 11, 2017 at 2:18 pmHi, Ashley! We love the small pasta in our soups. Frankly, we eat soup year round. I find I reach a certain point and I start craving a bowl of hot goodness.
Christine - Jar Of Lemons says
September 10, 2017 at 8:10 pmOh yum! This looks so amazing. Love this for fall!
Marisa Franca says
September 11, 2017 at 2:19 pmHi, Christine! It’s light enough you can enjoy it year round. The lemon gives the broth an incredible taste.
Noel Lizotte says
September 10, 2017 at 8:03 pmI’ve read a few lemon chicken soup recipes lately and it must be the universe’s way of telling me to give it a try. I love the clear directions and the easy to find ingredients you use. Thanks for sharing.
Marisa Franca says
September 11, 2017 at 2:20 pmYou’re welcome, Noel. I know what you mean about running into certain recipes and you figure someone is trying to tell you something. If you make it I believe you’ll really enjoy it.
Dene' Alexander says
September 10, 2017 at 7:11 pmThis soups sounds full of flavor, yet so simple. I love make soups in the fall and especially when someone in the house is sick. I will be adding this to my repertoire.
Marisa Franca says
September 11, 2017 at 2:21 pmWe love our soups too, Dene’. I think soup is a cure-all for whatever ails anyone.😋
Veena Azmanov says
September 10, 2017 at 3:26 pmIt’s amazing the connection food has with memories. I love chicken soup and there really is no better chicken soup than the one mom makes right? My mom would add noodles in the soup. So simple and yet it was always so perfect. I love orzo in my soup too! yum..
Marisa Franca says
September 11, 2017 at 2:27 pmYou’re right, Veena. Food and memories really do go hand in hand. It seemed like when mamma was in the kitchen I was right there with her. Making some of her dishes really brings me joy.
Nadja | Nashi Food says
September 10, 2017 at 2:06 pmThis is a perfect comfort food! I’m saving the recipe for future testing and enjoying thanks for sharing.
Marisa Franca says
September 11, 2017 at 2:28 pmYou’re welcome, Nadja! I believe you’ll enjoy how quickly it comes together and how good it tastes.
Andrea @ The petite cook says
September 10, 2017 at 12:33 pmThis is one of those hearty soups I could eat all winter long – Can’t wait to give it a try!
Marisa Franca says
September 10, 2017 at 12:40 pmIt certainly is a good soup and one you can enjoy all year long.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
September 9, 2017 at 6:04 pmIt must be a European thing…since I am Ukrainian. My mom would make chicken soup most Sunday’s…year round. Sometimes we were lucky and she would make homemade noodles too. My baba always made homemade noodles…NEVER bought. The simple foods of our childhoods have wonderful memories. If we only knew as kids how important these memories would be.
Marisa Franca says
September 10, 2017 at 12:39 pmHi, Gloria! It must be European. A chicken was a staple in our house. 1001 ways to make chicken and use it to feed a group. Dishes do bring up lots of memories — happy ones. Have a fantastic day.
Jodi @ Create Kids Club says
September 9, 2017 at 2:25 pmThis does look like comfort food at it’s finest! I love how bright the flavors look and I can almost smell it cooking! 🙂
Marisa Franca says
September 9, 2017 at 4:27 pmIf you have kids, Jodi, find alphabet pasta or some fun pasta to add to it. The flavor is so good and our grandkids love it.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
September 9, 2017 at 1:24 pmI make a chicken orzo soup, but I love the addition of lemon that you use. It sounds so fresh, but yet so comforting.
Marisa Franca says
September 9, 2017 at 4:26 pmHello, Joanna! It does add a nice freshness to the soup. Try it with your own recipe and see what you think or make this recipe and compare. xoxo
shobee says
September 9, 2017 at 12:49 amWe are like this in the Philippines too. We use every inch of the chicken so as to save money. We usually make out broth from the whole chicken and let it boil the whole day in a low heat, and the juice/broth it produce,just phenomenal.
Marisa Franca says
September 9, 2017 at 6:39 amHi! I always thought my mamma could do with a chicken what Christ did with the fish. I don’t mean to be disrespectful of Christ but mamma would make that chicken last all week long in one form or another. Hope you have a wonderful day!!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
September 8, 2017 at 9:48 pmThis looks so yummy. I bet the lemon tastes great. I am so excited for the approaching soup season!
Marisa Franca says
September 9, 2017 at 6:41 amI am too, Marlynn! There is so much satisfaction out of having a bowl of soup at a meal. I’ve got many recipes I want to make!! I’m sure you’re the same way. Have a great weekend.
Laura Putnam says
June 8, 2015 at 2:00 pmThis looks so good! Pinning!
Marisa Franca says
June 8, 2015 at 2:18 pmThank you!
Susie says
May 22, 2015 at 9:59 amYou can’t beat homemade soup! Delicious recipe….another keeper! The lemons give it a nice twist from the classic chicken vegetable soup recipe. Thanks, Marisa!
Thistle says
May 22, 2015 at 9:54 amThank you for the recipe! Looks delicious!!
Marisa Franca says
May 22, 2015 at 2:37 pmIt is very good and light — great for a simple lunch or dinner 🙂 Better than broccoli!!
Simply Suzannes at Home says
May 21, 2015 at 7:21 pmDear Marisa, I am so excited that you posted this recipe!
I had it for the first time at Panera several years ago . . . and I never forgot it. I even searched for a ‘copycat’ recipe, but didn’t have success at the time. I will have to try YOURS! I keep home-made stock in my freezer all the time, so maybe I could use that and roasted chicken?
We’ve had the most AMAZING weather . . . with clouds and sprinkles on and off for weeks! Perfect weather for a light soup like this one :0)
Thanks so much for sharing!
Hugs,
Suzanne
PS Your photos are scrumptious!
Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen says
May 21, 2015 at 1:31 amHi Marisa, I have never eaten this soup before, must give it a try, looks and sounds delicious.
Marisa Franca says
May 21, 2015 at 9:11 amI think you’ll really like it.
Ambra Sancin says
May 20, 2015 at 8:08 amI, too didn’t much like soup as a child – except maybe for split pea and ham soup as mu mother made the most delicious crusty, buttery croutons to put on top. Now I can’t get enough of soup, even in summer. Aren’t we strange as kids – don’t know what’s good for us!
Marisa Franca says
May 20, 2015 at 8:38 amOh you are so right! I forgot to say that mamma always had croutons to put on soup.
Jovina Coughlin says
May 20, 2015 at 8:07 amWhat a delicious looking bowl of soup. I definitely would eat this year round.I think soup makes a great healthy meal and your recipe would be perfect.
Marisa Franca says
May 20, 2015 at 8:38 amI think of soup as a warm smoothie — full of nutrition.
becca says
May 20, 2015 at 6:50 amThat looks absolutely delightful! I’m saving your recipe! And, thank you for visiting my page … about my slipcovers in our sunroom that you asked about … I purchased the wing chair slips from Sure Fit (cotton twill), and my friend made the slips for our settee. I hope this helps.
Marisa Franca says
May 20, 2015 at 8:40 amThank you for the info — perhaps this way I can get some things to “match”. You have a beautiful website.
Diane P. says
May 20, 2015 at 5:27 amWow! Another great recipe! We, too, eat soups all year round, and this one is promised to my dutch oven very soon. Beautiful photos on this blog, Marisa!
Marisa Franca says
May 20, 2015 at 8:41 amYou are so sweet — thank you. Let me know how your Dutch oven likes the soup 🙂