One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, let’s enjoy the simple pleasures of the season with our One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. This recipe is designed with your busy schedule in mind, combining the fresh tastes of summer with the ease of a one-pot meal. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious, homemade dish that’s easy to prepare. It is also ideal for sharing with family and friends. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor, this soup is a great way to make mealtime both stress-free and delicious.

Adjustable Macro Profile Based on Your Unique Goal

Depending on if your goal is fat loss, muscle building, or maintenance, you have the flexibility to alter the ingredients to better suit your nutritional targets. To accommodate these different dietary goals, you can change the amount of orzo used in the recipe. For fat loss, consider reducing the portion of orzo, which will directly decrease the caloric intake of the meal. Conversely, if your aim is muscle building, you might want to increase the portion of orzo slightly to ensure you’re getting enough carbohydrates for energy and recovery. By adjusting these amounts, you keep the dish versatile and aligned with your health objectives, making it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation.

In my One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, vegetables take center stage, infusing each spoonful with vibrant colors and essential nutrients. From the crisp sweetness of diced carrots to the earthy goodness of celery, every vegetable plays a vital role in enhancing both the flavor and nutritional profile of the soup. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these veggies support your immune system, promote glowing skin, and keep your body thriving all summer long.

Fiber-Rich Goodness:

One of the best elements of our soup is the generous addition of fresh spinach. This leafy green is not only a source of dietary fiber but also enhances the soup’s texture. Fiber is essential for good digestion and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight by keeping you feeling full longer. Read more about fiber and the benefits of Whole Foods on our Nutrition Coaching Blog Here! By adding spinach to our soup, we do more than just improve its taste; we significantly enhance its health benefits, caring for your overall well-being with every bite.

Fresh Soup for the Summer Heat

When it’s hot out, keeping hydrated is super important, and our Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is perfect for that. It’s packed with water-filled veggies like carrots, celery, and spinach, so every bite helps you stay cool and hydrated. Hydration isn’t just about drinking lots of water—you can also get it from eating the right foods. Our veggie-packed soup is a great way to beat the heat and feed your body with the good stuff it needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfect for Busy Families: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal without sacrificing precious moments with your loved ones.
• Freezer-Friendly and Meal Prep Ready: Prepare a large batch during your weekend meal prep session and portion it into freezer-friendly containers.
• Great for Children: Picky eaters? Fussy toddlers? Not to worry! Our Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a crowd-pleaser the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those nutritious veggies without any complaints.

Here are the Main Ingredients You Will Need for this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup:

For full ingredient list, see the recipe card below!

Let’s break down how to make this One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!

Step-by-Step Visual Guide:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.

2. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot with the chicken. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

3. Stir in chicken broth, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.

4. Stir in orzo pasta and continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.

5. Add chopped spinach to the soup and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using, to taste.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh or freeze dried parsley and basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using, to taste. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra burst of flavor (not included in macros).

Hungry for more inspiration for Dinner like this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Checkout these other recipes:

Crockpot Chili

Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Recipe Notes and Modifications

• Zest and juice lemons BEFORE you start to cook. You can do it as the chicken and vegetables cook, but I find it easier to do it before!
• Feel free to customize the vegetable mix according to your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add in other veggies like bell peppers, peas, or zucchini to amp up the nutritional value and add more color to your soup. Please note macros will differ.
• While the pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick to the soup, you can adjust the amount according to your spice preference. For a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
• This soup is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply portion it into individual containers and reheat as needed for a quick and nourishing meal.
• To make gluten free, sub rice for orzo, just be mindful that the macros will be different
• Naturally Dairy-Free

In the realm of summer cooking, my One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup stands out as a reliable, flavorful option. It’s a meal that embodies simplicity and satisfaction, perfect for busy days or relaxed evenings alike. With its fresh ingredients and easy preparation, this soup offers a comforting taste of the season, inviting us to savor the joys of home-cooked meals with minimal fuss.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, or tag me on Instagram @thebalancedbitefoodie so I can see your delicious creations!