Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (Printable)

Lively lemon and tender chicken blend with orzo in a Mediterranean comfort soup, ready in under an hour.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 10.5 oz), cut into small pieces

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Grains & Broth

08 - 3/4 cup orzo pasta
09 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chicken to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the pieces turn white on the outside, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Pour in chicken broth. Add dried oregano, dried thyme, and lemon zest. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
05 - Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
07 - Remove soup from heat and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional parsley or lemon slices if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The splash of lemon at the end makes everything taste fresh and sun-drenched, like a little trick to lift any mood.
  • Orzo makes this hearty enough to be a main dish but not so heavy you need a nap afterward.
02 -
  • If you rush the orzo or leave it unattended, it can get mushy fast—keep an eye and cut the heat when it’s al dente.
  • Zesting the lemon directly over the pot means all those fragrant oils end up where they belong, not lost on the cutting board.
03 -
  • If you want a luxurious texture, temper an egg yolk with some hot broth and whisk it in for authentic Mediterranean silkiness.
  • Always zest your lemons before juicing—no exceptions, or you’ll wrestle with slippery citrus.
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