If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup is it! This delicious soup is made with tender chicken, colorful veggies and orzo pasta all in a creamy broth with a touch of zesty lemon flavor. Whip this up for a cozy night in or whenever you're craving a hearty, homemade meal that's as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!
This soup is my new go-to recipe for chilly nights or anytime a comforting meal is needed. It is easy to make and never fails to satisfy! Served with a piece of fluffy french bread slathered with butter, this meal has all kinds of good things going on.
My favorite part about this recipe is the hint of lemon flavor. It isn't over powering but it adds the perfect touch of freshness to this comfort meal!
It's perfect for chilly autumn evenings or a lazy Sunday afternoon when you don't want to spend the day in the kitchen. Anyone who loves hearty, flavorful soups with a creamy twist will adore this one. It's a crowd pleaser that's sure to become a household favorite!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It is simple. This hearty and flavorful meal only requires one pot for preparation, which makes clean up easy and quick. The ingredients are easy to find and the instructions are easy to follow. An all around simple recipe to make!
- It is comforting. In each spoonful you get a bite of tender chicken, wholesome veggies and creamy broth. The flavor is rich and the warmth is comforting, which makes this soup a cozy choice.
- It makes great leftovers. This is the prefect meal to make at the beginning of the week so you can enjoy it as leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients Needed
Here are notes about some of the ingredients needed for this perfect fall soup. Find all the ingredients at your local grocery store or an online retailer, like Amazon.
- Butter
- Yellow onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Thyme: I prefer to use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme.
- Garlic
- Chicken: You will need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Salt & black pepper
- Chicken stock
- Orzo
- Heavy whipping cream
- Flour
- Lemon: Use fresh squeezed lemon juice in the soup and lemon zest as a garnish.
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and measurements.
Substiutions & Variations
- Butter: Instead of using butter, you could use olive oil in its place.
- Thyme: Instead of using fresh thyme, feel free to use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead.
- Heavy whipping cream: Swap the heavy cream with half and half or whole milk for a slightly lighter version.
- Chicken: Instead of using boneless skinless chicken breasts, you could use skinless boneless chicken thighs. You could even use cooked shredded chicken.
- Chicken stock: Feel free to use chicken broth in place of the chicken stock. Both are flavorful liquids that will produce the same result.
- Additions: Get creative with your vegetable mixture. Add whatever you might have on hand. Some good choices might be peas, fresh spinach or bell peppers. Serve with lemon wedgest for those who want even more fresh lemon flavor!
This recipe has not been tested with these substitutions or variations. If you give any of these a try, please let me know how it worked out in the comments below!
Step by Step Instructions
Here is how to make this creamy orzo chicken soup. For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below. For this recipe you will need:
STEP 1: In a large dutch oven or soup pot, heat the butter over medium-high heat until it is melted.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, thyme, and garlic. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until softened.
STEP 2: Add the chicken, salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
STEP 3: Add the stock and water and bring to a boil.
STEP 4: Add the orzo and cook for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente.
STEP 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and heavy whipping cream until smooth.
STEP 6: Add the flour mixture to the pot and continue to cook for 2 minutes, or until thickened.
STEP 7: Add the lemon juice, taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.
Top with additional thyme, lemon zest and serve with buttered french bread for dipping. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Cut the chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent overcooked or undercooked pieces in the soup.
- Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference in flavor.
- Be sure the flour and heavy whipping cream are well mixed before adding them to the soup to prevent lumps. Whisking them together thoroughly will help create a smooth and creamy texture.
- If the flour and whipping cream mixture looks lumpy after adding it to the soup, just continue to heat the soup over medium heat until the mixture cooks in and creates that creamy texture.
- When reheating, if the soup is too thick, add chicken broth while reheating over medium heat. The amount of chicken broth you add will depend on how thick you would like the soup.
FAQ
Yes. Using pre cooked chicken can save you time and make the preparation even easier. Simply add the pre cooked chicken to the pot during the step where you would add the raw chicken breast, and allow it to heat through before continuing on with the remainder of the recipe. This is a great option for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
Yes. Simply allow the soup to cool completely, transfer to an airtight container and freeze. This soup will typically keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
You have several options depending on your preference and dietary needs. Try rice, qunioa, any small pasta shape, barley, or couscous.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store completely cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Eat within 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze completely cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to consume.
Reheating: Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup is too thick, add chicken broth while reheating.
Other Recipes to Try With Leftover Ingredients
To use up any leftover heavy whipping cream, make one of these recipes:
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Recipe
Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 diced yellow onion
- 2 cups peeled and chopped carrots about 3 large
- ½ cup chopped celery about 2 stalks
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic about 2 cloves
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup orzo
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Juice from 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a dutch oven, heat the butter over medium high heat.¼ cup butter
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, thyme, and garlic and sauté for about 10 minutes, or until softened.1 diced yellow onion, 2 cups peeled and chopped carrots, ½ cup chopped celery, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- Add the chicken, salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper
- Add the stock and water and bring to a boil.4 cups chicken stock or broth, 1 cup water
- Add the orzo and cook for 10 minutes.¾ cup orzo
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and whipping cream. Add to the soup mixture, stirring well. Continue to cook for 5 minutes.¼ cup heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons flour
- Add the lemon juice and stir well.Juice from 1 lemon
- Taste, adjust seasonings as needed. Top with additional fresh thyme and lemon zest if desired. Serve with buttered French bread for dipping!
Nutrition Information
Please note that these nutrition facts are approximations and may not be entirely precise.
Natalie says
I made this for my family tonight and it was a hit! The lemon juice added such an awesome flavor to the soup!
SD says
Perfect!