Emily
When you’re craving something warm, cozy, and nourishing, Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect choice. This soup is made with tender chicken, small rice-shaped pasta called orzo, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. It’s filling without being heavy, and it’s ideal for any time of the year—especially on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Chicken Orzo Soup is a great meal to make for your family, and it’s also perfect to take to someone who needs a little extra comfort. In this article, you’ll learn how to make it step by step using simple ingredients, plus helpful tips, variations, and ideas for storing leftovers.
Let’s get started!
What Is Chicken Orzo Soup?
Chicken Orzo Soup is a light but satisfying soup made with chunks of chicken, orzo pasta, vegetables like carrots and celery, and a savory broth flavored with herbs. Orzo is a type of small pasta that looks like large grains of rice, and it gives the soup a hearty texture.
This soup is often compared to chicken noodle soup, but the orzo gives it a unique and slightly creamy feel, especially if you let it simmer a little longer. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that comes together in about 30–40 minutes and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Orzo Soup
Here’s why Chicken Orzo Soup is a favorite in so many homes:
- Simple and comforting: It uses everyday ingredients and has that cozy, homemade taste.
- One pot: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup easy.
- Healthy: Packed with protein, vegetables, and whole ingredients.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults love it.
- Perfect for leftovers: It reheats well and even tastes better the next day.
You can serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the basic ingredients to make a pot of delicious Chicken Orzo Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works great)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, but adds brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
You can also add spinach or kale for extra greens, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, you can use raw chicken breast or thighs and cook them in the soup—more on that below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 2: Add garlic and seasoning
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add broth and bring to a boil
Pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Add the orzo pasta
Once the soup is boiling, stir in the uncooked orzo. Let it cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Stir often to prevent sticking, as orzo tends to settle at the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Add the chicken
Add the shredded cooked chicken to the soup. If you’re using leftover chicken, it only needs to heat through, so cook for another 3–5 minutes. If using raw chicken, add it earlier (with the broth) and simmer until fully cooked, then shred it before adding back to the pot.
Step 6: Add lemon juice (optional)
Once everything is cooked, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. This gives the soup a fresh, bright flavor and helps balance the richness.
Step 7: Taste and serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve hot.
How to Serve Chicken Orzo Soup
Chicken Orzo Soup is perfect as a meal on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- Crusty bread: Like baguette, sourdough, or garlic toast.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A cheesy sandwich on the side makes it extra comforting.
- Salad: A fresh green salad balances the warm, savory soup.
- Crackers or breadsticks: Great for dipping.
You can also top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for more flavor.
Helpful Tips
Here are some tips to make your Chicken Orzo Soup even better:
- Stir often: Orzo tends to stick, so make sure to stir regularly while it’s cooking.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Saves time and adds rich flavor.
- Use homemade broth if you can: It makes the soup taste even more special, but store-bought broth works well too.
- Don’t overcook the orzo: It can become mushy if left in the soup too long. Cook it until just tender.
- Add greens: Spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end for extra color and nutrients.
If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it to each bowl before serving. This keeps it from soaking up all the broth in the fridge.
Variations and Add-Ons
Chicken Orzo Soup is easy to customize based on what you like or what you have in your kitchen:
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: Add more lemon juice and a bit of lemon zest for a brighter, citrusy version.
- Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup: Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for a richer, silky texture.
- Vegetarian version: Leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, peas, or mushrooms.
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Greek-style: Add oregano, dill, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Chicken Orzo Soup stores well and makes great leftovers. Here’s how:
- In the fridge: Let the soup cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without orzo, if possible) for up to 2–3 months. Add fresh orzo when you reheat.
- To reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Orzo Soup is one of those meals that’s comforting, simple, and satisfying. It’s made with basic ingredients, but the result is full of flavor and warmth. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a healthy and delicious option that you’ll want to make again and again.
It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables, and you can make it your own with different herbs and flavors. With just one pot and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a cozy homemade meal that tastes like love in a bowl.
