Description
This Greek Inspired Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the kind of cozy, bright, easy recipe that makes you want to grab a spoon right away. It is packed with tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, carrots, onion, garlic, and a fresh burst of lemon in every bite. I love it for a quick dinner, a healthy snack-style lunch, or one of those comforting food ideas when you want something warming without feeling too heavy. If you are looking for easy dinner recipes, quick meal ideas, simple soup recipes, and fresh chicken dinner inspiration, this one checks every box.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup uncooked orzo
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced carrots, then cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
4. Stir in the uncooked orzo and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
5. Add the shredded chicken, fresh lemon juice, and lemon slices. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with extra lemon and parsley if desired.
Notes
For the brightest flavor, add the lemon juice near the end so it stays fresh and lively instead of turning dull during a long simmer.
If you expect leftovers, cook the orzo separately and add it to each bowl before serving so the soup stays brothy and does not thicken too much overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: greek inspired lemon chicken orzo soup, lemon chicken soup, chicken orzo soup, easy dinner, quick dinner, soup recipe, healthy soup, chicken dinner ideas, food ideas