Chicken Vegetable Soup with Orzo

Warm up your table with a comforting bowl of Chicken Vegetable Soup with Orzo, a hearty yet wholesome dish packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a savory, herb-infused chicken broth, elevated with a splash of fresh lemon juice for a zesty finish. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot wonder is a healthy and satisfying option for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Plus, it’s versatile—pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal or freeze leftovers for quick, reheatable lunches. Perfectly balanced, protein-rich, and brimming with veggies, this chicken soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 piece lemon, juiced

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.

Step 6

Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 8

Add the orzo pasta to the soup and cook for 7-9 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.

Step 9

Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and chopped parsley. Heat for 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.

Step 10

Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 11

Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3144.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2069.5

Total Fat 45.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 295.8mg	0%
Sodium 7303.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 235.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.2g	0%
Total Sugars 38.5g
Protein 171.3g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 473.9mg	0%
Iron 16.4mg	0%
Potassium 4438.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.2%

Protein: 33.6%

Carbs: 46.3%