If you have been searching far and wide for a comforting, bright, and satisfying bowl of soup, look no further than the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe. This hearty concoction blends tender shredded chicken with tender orzo pasta, fresh baby kale, and a zesty lemon punch all swimming in a creamy, savory broth. It delivers such a perfect balance of freshness, warmth, and a touch of indulgence that every spoonful feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re craving something soothing on a chilly evening or a quick, wholesome meal to lift your spirits, this soup has you covered in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the bright acidity of fresh lemon to the earthy depth of fresh thyme, every component enhances the flavors and textures, making this soup both comforting and vibrant.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base to sauté the vegetables, adding a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Crucial for that sweet and savory foundation that flavors the entire soup.
- 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced): Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color for visual appeal.
- 2 celery ribs (diced): Offers subtle earthiness and crunch that balances the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced): Infuses the broth with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 2 ½ tablespoons kosher salt (more to taste): Enhances all the flavors and helps build the soup’s savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (leaves only): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that elevates the broth’s complexity.
- 2 bay leaves: Impart a subtle layer of fragrance and spice while simmering.
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked): Provides tender, bite-sized pasta that soaks up the broth’s flavor perfectly.
- 6-8 cups low sodium chicken stock: The heart of the soup, delivering rich, savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded): Adds protein and a smoky, tender texture that makes the soup hearty.
- 2 ½ ounces baby kale: A mild leafy green that offers a fresh texture and nutritional boost.
- 1 lemon (juiced, about ¼ cup): Brings lively acidity that brightens the entire dish wonderfully.
- ¾ cups heavy whipping cream: Introduces smooth creaminess for a luscious, comforting finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped): Adds a delicate, fresh flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.
How to Make Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let these soften and start to brown gently, which should take about 8 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning, as this caramelization builds layers of flavor essential to the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the finely minced garlic, kosher salt, and fresh thyme leaves. Cook everything together for just one more minute. This brief step awakens the garlic’s aroma and lets the thyme release its fragrant oils, enhancing the broth’s complexity.
Step 3: Toast Orzo and Add Stock
Now add the orzo pasta and cook it for about a minute while stirring. Toasting the orzo briefly before adding liquid deepens its nutty flavor. Pour in 6 cups of the chicken stock along with the bay leaves, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes. If you prefer a brothier soup, stir in the remaining 2 cups of stock at this point.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Kale
Next, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and baby kale to the pot. Let the soup cook for an additional 2 minutes. This warms the chicken through while allowing the kale to wilt slightly, maintaining its vibrant green color and adding texture.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon, Cream, and Dill
Remove the soup from heat and fish out the bay leaves. Stir in fresh lemon juice, heavy cream, and finely chopped dill. The acidity from the lemon brightens the flavors beautifully, while the cream gives it a cozy, silky richness. Dill adds the finishing herbaceous touch. Taste and adjust salt levels as needed, and for a delightful cheesy twist, sprinkle in some freshly grated parmesan.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and savor it hot. This soup is delightful on its own or paired with crusty bread for dipping. No matter how you enjoy it, this is the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness to your table.
How to Serve Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add bursts of fresh flavor, top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh dill or finely chopped parsley. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a few twists of cracked black pepper can add a gourmet touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of chili flakes offers a mild kick that complements the citrus beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this soup is hearty on its own, pairing it with a warm baguette, garlic toast, or homemade focaccia turns it into a truly satisfying meal. Light side salads with crisp greens and a lemony vinaigrette echo the soup’s bright flavors, making for a well-rounded, refreshing dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls or bread bowls to soak up the luscious broth. Garnish with lemon zest curls or edible flowers for an eye-catching finish. When serving guests, you might also offer a small plate of parmesan shavings and fresh dill on the side, so everyone can customize their bowl just the way they love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and creamy texture. When reheated, the orzo may absorb some broth, so you might want to stir in a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it back up.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the heavy cream and fresh dill, as dairy can separate during freezing. Freeze the soup in portions, leaving some headspace, and when ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat while stirring in cream and dill fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth. Avoid boiling once the cream is added to prevent curdling. Add a bit of stock or water if it has thickened too much. This will bring back the luscious texture and full flavor just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and add them to the soup. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient shortcut that adds extra flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or a non-dairy creamer for a similar creamy effect without dairy.
Can I substitute orzo with another type of pasta?
Orzo works best because of its small size and texture, but you can use other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this soup more brothy?
Simply add more chicken stock to your preferred consistency, especially when simmering the orzo. The recipe suggests adding up to 8 cups of broth for a lighter soup.
What is the best way to keep the kale from becoming mushy?
Add the kale just at the end of cooking and only let it wilt slightly. Baby kale is tender and cooks quickly, so this step preserves its color and texture nicely.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels both special and made-for-family comfort food all at once. The bright lemon notes, creamy broth, tender chicken, and fresh herbs all work in harmony to create a soup you’ll want to return to again and again. Trust me, this one’s a keeper—perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in on a cozy night in.
Print
Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken, nutritious baby kale, and comforting orzo pasta in a zesty lemon-infused broth. Enriched with a touch of heavy cream and fresh herbs like dill and thyme, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal any time of year. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that delivers warmth and bright citrus notes in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 ½ tablespoons kosher salt (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 6–8 cups low sodium chicken stock
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 ½ ounces baby kale
- 1 lemon, juiced (about ¼ cup juice)
- ¾ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let cook until the vegetables soften and start to brown, about 8 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the garlic’s aroma without burning.
- Cook Orzo and Simmer Broth: Add the orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute while stirring to lightly toast it. Pour in 6 cups of the chicken stock and add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes. For a more brothy soup, add the remaining 2 cups of broth at this stage.
- Add Chicken and Kale: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and baby kale. Cook for another 2 minutes until the kale wilts and chicken is heated through.
- Finish Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, heavy whipping cream, and chopped dill. Taste the soup and adjust salt as needed. Optionally, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan for extra flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately, alone or accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit it entirely.
- You can use fresh or frozen kale; just adjust the quantity as fresh picks are more delicate.
- If you prefer a sharper lemon flavor, add some lemon zest along with the juice.
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick, but leftover cooked chicken works well too.
- Orzo can overcook quickly; keep an eye during simmering to maintain a slightly firm texture.
- Parmesan is optional and adds a nice savory depth but consider dietary preferences when serving.
