Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

My kitchen smells divine

It’s officially soup season—well, at least on my calendar! Here in Texas, the weather doesn’t always scream cozy bowls of soup, but I’m rolling with it because September has me craving all the comfort foods. First up is this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup—it’s cozy, zesty, protein-packed, and just the kind of nourishing meal I want on repeat right now.

Why you'll love this soup

• Bright + Comforting: The lemon balances the richness of the bone broth making it feel light and energizing, while also holding on to the last lemony tastes of summer

• Protein-Packed: Shredded Rotisserie chicken and bone broth make for the perfect hearty meal

• Great for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully for lunches/dinners throughout the week and also freezes well

• Anti-inflammatory: No dairy, and easy to adapt for gluten-free living

  
  
  

  

  

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp of olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, finely diced

• 2 cups kale, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup orzo (I use Jovial gf orzo)

• 8 cups of chicken bone broth (can be substituted with regular chicken broth)

  • I typically do 4 cups bone broth and 4 cups low sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)

• Zest+ juice of 2 lemons

• S&P to taste

• 1 tsp cayenne

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1-2 tbsp dill (if you have fresh dill that elevates the flavor a lot)

• Red pepper flakes to taste (we like it spicy in my house)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.

2. Pour in chicken broth + bone broth, and all your seasonings. Bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat to simmer and stir in your shredded chicken, and orzo. Let orzo cook for about 8-10 minutes.

4. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh dill, and chopped kale. Let it warm through for 3-5 minutes until kale is wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy warm!

Tips:

• Keep orzo slightly undercooked so it doesn't absorb too much broth and turn into risotto.

• Freeze for later: Leave the orzo out if you’re planning to freeze. Just add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.

• Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme bring brightness—add them at the very end so they stay vibrant.

This soup is sunshine in a bowl and so delicious served with a warm slice of sourdough, Yum! It's perfect for when you want something comforting yet vibrant. Add it to your meal prep rotation, and you’ll always have a bowl of brightness ready to warm you up. So whether you’re actually getting chilly weather or just pretending like me, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect bowl to keep things cozy and fresh. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of that little bright kick from lemon that makes every spoonful feel like sunshine. Here’s to living brighter, one cozy bowl at a time.