Chicken Orzo Soup
There's nothing quite like a bowl of cozy Chicken Orzo Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This easy, one-pot soup is loaded with tender chicken, soft vegetables and tiny orzo pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. It's quick enough for busy weeknights, easy to make with leftover chicken and so comforting!
This post contains affiliate links.
Easy Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
We're in the throes of winter, and it's even been chilly for Arizona lately. The last thing I want to do is spend all night cooking dinner, so quick and easy soups have been just the ticket. They are so cozy and comforting!
I love cooking with orzo whenever I can. It's such a fun pasta shape that the kids love, and it's really easy to cook. Orzo is fantastic in this lemon orzo pasta salad, and sometimes I cook orzo with turkey and spinach.
This Chicken Orzo Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It combines tender chicken, hearty orzo and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth. It's perfect for cozy nights, busy weeknights or bringing dinner to someone who could use a homemade meal.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Here are just a few of the reasons why this recipe is worth making:
It's an easy one-pot dinner. Everything comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup after dinner. And since we're using cooked chicken, this soup doesn't take long to make.
It's family-friendly. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth and tiny orzo pasta makes this a comforting meal that even the kids love. Orzo is always a hit in our house!
It's perfect for leftovers. This is a great way to use leftover roasted chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. You can also make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients
Here are a few ingredients worth noting before you get started with this easy Chicken Orzo Soup!
Cooked chicken makes this soup quick and easy to prepare. I love using rotisserie chicken to save time, but leftover roasted chicken or grilled chicken thighs work just as well.
Orzo pasta is a tiny, rice-shaped pasta that the kids love! If you don't have orzo, you can use another small pasta like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Chicken broth gives this soup its rich, comforting flavor. I love to make my own, but store-bought works great too. I recommend using low-sodium broth so you can adjust the seasoning to taste.
Carrots, celery and onion create a flavorful base for the soup. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach or peas to change things up.
Dried thyme and bay leaf add that classic, cozy chicken soup flavor. You can use fresh thyme instead of dried if you have some on hand. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving!
How to Make Chicken Orzo Soup
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- Grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it warm enough to cook the veggies without burning them.
- Add the onion, carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt and pepper, then add the bay leaf. Give everything a quick stir to bring those flavors together.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. All those veggies and seasonings will give the broth such a cozy, delicious flavor!
- Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, until tender. Give it a stir every now and then so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to heat everything through. This is where leftover or rotisserie chicken really comes in handy!
- Remove the bay leaf and give the soup a quick taste. Add a little more salt and pepper if needed. If the orzo has soaked up too much broth, you can add a splash more to loosen things up.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if using. I love how the lemon brightens up all those cozy flavors! Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy while it's warm.
Storage and Freezing
This Chicken Orzo Soup reheats well if you end up with leftovers. It's also a great meal train recipe - I like bringing this hearty soup to friends who are recovering from illness or surgery.
To store for later: Let the soup cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if the orzo has soaked up too much liquid.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this soup with the orzo already mixed in because the pasta can get mushy when reheated. If you want to make it ahead and freeze it, leave out the orzo and add freshly cooked pasta when you're ready to serve. Freeze the soup in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Madison's Tips for Success:
I've tested this recipe and have successfully made it many times. Use my tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly for you, too!
- Keep an eye on the orzo. Start checking the pasta around the 8-minute mark so it doesn't get mushy. Give it a stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Don't skip the lemon juice. I love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end. It brightens up the soup and balances all those cozy, savory flavors.
- Adjust the consistency before serving. If you prefer a brothier soup, stir in a little extra warm chicken broth until it's just the way you like it.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Chicken Orzo Soup with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth! It's also so good with a warm grilled cheese sandwich, easy drop biscuits or cheesy garlic bread.
If you want something a little lighter on the side, try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted root vegetables. Either way, you've got an easy, cozy dinner the whole family can enjoy!
Make It A Meal Train
When someone you know is going through a major life event, you may want to bring a meal to them or organize a meal train to show your support.
Here's how you can turn this Chicken Orzo Soup into a meal train.
- Make a big batch so there's enough for the whole family, with a little extra for leftovers.
- Include an easy breakfast or snack, like muffins or cookies, to give them something to enjoy the next day.
- Pack the soup in disposable, leakproof containers so they don't have to worry about returning dishes. It's one less thing on their plate!
Before bringing over any food, be sure to ask about allergies and best drop-off times.
Chicken Orzo Soup FAQs
Absolutely! Add raw chicken breasts or thighs to the broth and let them simmer until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken, shred or dice it, then return it to the pot before adding the orzo.
Of course! This is a great soup to make when you're feeding a crowd or bringing dinner to a friend. Just use a large enough pot to hold everything, and keep some extra broth handy since the orzo will continue soaking up liquid as it sits.
If you make and love this recipe, please leave a 
review below!
It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave comments and questions below!
Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 cup orzo uncooked
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- 1 medium lemon juiced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the chicken broth, and add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Add the cooked chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice if using.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Soup Recipes
I'll teach you how to make simple from-scratch recipes, like seasonings, sauces, dinners and even desserts, that make cooking from home less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
My recipes have been featured on publications like South Your Mouth, Fun.com, Her Campus, Mental Floss, and the TastingTable.
Grab kid tested recipes that actually work for busy families who want wholesome meals without the stress!