Lemon Pepper Chicken Orzo Soup (Printable)

A bright, comforting broth with tender shredded chicken, orzo pasta, zesty lemon, and freshly ground black pepper.

# Ingredient List:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz total)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Broth & Seasonings

06 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste
11 - 1 dried bay leaf

→ Pasta

12 - 2/3 cup orzo pasta

→ Finishing

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Extra lemon wedges, for serving
15 - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
04 - Reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
05 - Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and shred with two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
06 - Bring the broth back to a boil. Stir in the orzo and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente.
07 - Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
08 - Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley.
09 - Ladle into bowls. Garnish with extra black pepper, lemon wedges, and grated Parmesan if desired.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • The lemon creates this brightness that makes you feel alive even on the dreariest days
  • Orzo absorbs all that flavorful broth while maintaining a perfect tender texture
  • Everything cooks in one pot which means maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
02 -
  • The orzo will continue absorbing liquid if left sitting, so the soup thickens over time—add a splash of water or broth when reheating leftovers
  • Lemon intensity can vary wildly between fruits, always taste and adjust before serving
  • Freshly ground black pepper is non-negotiable here—pre-ground lacks the punch and warmth this soup needs
03 -
  • Zest your lemon before juicing it—trying to do it afterward is frustrating and wasteful
  • If the orzo feels too firm, add another splash of broth and let it sit off heat for 5 minutes
  • A handful of baby spinach added in the last two minutes adds color and nutrition without changing the flavor profile
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