Name: Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups diced carrots; 1 cup finely chopped onion; ½ cup finely chopped celery; 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 bay leaves; 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 6 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, bright, and downright comforting, this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s that perfect bowl of warmth with tangy lemony brightness that just feels like a gentle hug on a chilly day, or honestly, any day. I’ve been making this soup for years, and each time it turns out a little better – partly because I’ve learned some little tricks along the way. Trust me, you’re going to want to stick around for every detail because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and will totally up your soup game.

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Why This Recipe Works

Bright & Balanced Flavors: The lemon juice cuts through the richness, giving the soup a refreshing tang without overpowering the comforting broth.
Simple, Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lemon juice and fresh garlic elevates the soup’s natural flavors in a way canned or powdered substitutes just can’t match.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe adapts to your schedule and kitchen gear.
Comforting & Light: It’s filling without being heavy, thanks to lean chicken and plenty of fresh veggies—perfect any time of year.

Lemon Chicken Soup, Lemon Chicken Soup recipe, healthy lemon chicken soup, easy lemon chicken soup, comforting lemon chicken soup - A black ladle holding a scoop of soup with shredded pale chicken pieces and bright orange carrot slices over a pot of broth with more shredded chicken and carrot pieces floating in it. The broth is clear light yellow with small bits of chicken and carrots spread throughout, inside a stainless steel pot, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe plays a role to create layers of flavor and texture — fresh veggies for sweetness, herbs for warmth, and that lemon juice to brighten everything up. When you shop, look for firm carrots and fresh herbs if possible, and always go for fresh lemon juice whenever you can—it truly makes a difference!

Lemon Chicken Soup, Lemon Chicken Soup recipe, healthy lemon chicken soup, easy lemon chicken soup, comforting lemon chicken soup - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of finely chopped yellow onion, a small white bowl of diced bright orange carrots, a small white bowl of finely chopped light green celery, a small white bowl of peeled garlic cloves, whole uncracked brown eggs, two fresh bay leaves, fresh raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts with pink flesh, a small white bowl filled with dry pale yellow orzo pasta, a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of dried green parsley, a small white bowl of dried light brown thyme, a small white bowl of fine white salt, and a large white ceramic bowl filled with clear chicken broth, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and building the soup’s flavor base with a little richness.
Carrots: They add natural sweetness and a bit of crunch when not overcooked.
Onion: Brings depth and slight sweetness once softened.
Celery: Adds freshness and a subtle savory note that enhances the broth.
Garlic: Packs a punch of robust flavor that becomes mellow and aromatic after sautéing.
Black Pepper: Gives a gentle heat that balances the lemon.
Dried Parsley and Thyme: Classic herbs that bring earthiness and freshness without overpowering.
Salt and Bay Leaves: Essential for seasoning and layering herbal fragrance.
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that shreds easily to distribute in the soup.
Chicken Broth: The soup’s savory backbone; low sodium gives you full control on salt.
Orzo Pasta: Tender little bites that soak up the broth; cook separately if you like firmer pasta.
Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the show—adds bright, fresh citrus zing that wakes up the entire bowl.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to make it heartier, lighter, or vegan-friendly, there’s almost always an easy tweak to fit your mood or kitchen.

Variation: I sometimes swap the orzo with rice or small pasta-shaped noodles, and it works beautifully—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas, and swap chicken broth for veggie broth for a plant-based twist that’s just as satisfying.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end for a luscious finish without overpowering the lemon flavor.
Seasonal Add-Ins: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes to pack extra nutrients and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Unlock Flavor

Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Toss in the diced carrots, finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes or until the veggies soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the soup builds its comforting base flavor. If the garlic starts browning too fast, lower your heat to avoid bitterness.

Step 2: Build the Soup with Herbs, Chicken, and Broth

Add your black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, salt, bay leaves, chicken breasts, and chicken broth to the pot. Give it all a good stir to combine. Pop on a lid and bring everything to a boil—that usually takes about 10 minutes depending on your stove. When it’s bubbling, turn the heat down to medium and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This gentle simmer cooks the chicken perfectly while marrying all the flavors.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Cook Orzo for Perfect Texture

Once your 15 minutes are up, increase the heat to medium-high again. Carefully remove the chicken breasts and set them aside to cool just enough to shred. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Add the orzo to the soup and cook it for half the package’s recommended time—the pasta will finish cooking as the soup cools, giving you perfectly tender bites without mushiness. Use two forks to shred the chicken finely. Then stir the shredded chicken back into the soup along with the fresh lemon juice, and you’re almost done!

Step 4: Final Adjustments & Serve

Give everything a final stir to combine all the flavors. Now, taste your soup—this is when you can tweak with a pinch more salt or lemon juice if you want it zestier. Serve hot and watch it disappear. Pro tip: If you’re worried about your orzo getting too soft, you can cook it separately and add it to each bowl right before serving.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t give the same brightness — fresh really elevates the soup.
Don’t Skip the Bay Leaves: They add subtle complexity that you won’t notice until they’re missing.
Shred Chicken While Orzo Cooks: Saves time and keeps everything flowing smoothly during prep.
Cook Pasta Separately If You Like: This helps avoid soggy or mushy pasta, especially if you plan to store leftovers.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Lemon Chicken Soup, Lemon Chicken Soup recipe, healthy lemon chicken soup, easy lemon chicken soup, comforting lemon chicken soup - Two white bowls filled with soup sit on a white marbled surface, each bowl holding a mix of shredded light brown chicken, small round orange carrot slices, and pale yellow orzo pasta floating in a light broth. Bright green herbs are sprinkled throughout the soup, adding fresh color. A gold spoon is held by a woman's hand with red painted nails, lifting a spoonful of soup from the bowl in the front, showing a clear view of the ingredients. In the background, a lemon half and a white-and-blue striped cloth are softly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving—it adds that extra pop of green and freshness. A little cracked black pepper on top never hurts either. Sometimes I grate a bit of Parmesan cheese on the go; it melts right into the warm broth beautifully and adds a subtle umami boost.

Side Dishes

Because this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is hearty enough, I typically pair it with something simple like a crusty baguette or warm pita bread to soak up every last drop. When I’m feeling a bit more indulgent, a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly, enhancing that citrus theme without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this soup at gatherings, I’ve tried ladling it into individual bowls and topping each with edible flowers or a thin lemon slice floating on top—it’s classy but still homey. Another idea I adore is serving it in mini bread bowls for a playful twist that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover Lemon Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps well for about 3-4 days. If you added pasta straight into the soup, be aware it might soak up extra broth and get a bit softer over time, so I sometimes keep pasta separate when planning for leftovers.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully, especially if you leave out the pasta before freezing. Freeze in portions for easy meals later—just thaw overnight in the fridge! When ready to eat, reheat gently and add freshly cooked orzo or your preferred pasta to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat—this keeps everything tender and prevents the chicken from getting tough. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. If you kept pasta separate, warming it just before serving ensures that perfect bite.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra richness and stay juicy during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through. You can shred them the same way once done.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta—can I use other types?

Yes, you can swap orzo with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even tiny shells. Just keep in mind cooking times vary, so keep an eye on them. Alternatively, rice or even quinoa can be used for a gluten-free option.
How important is fresh lemon juice in this recipe?

Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference—it adds a bright, clean citrus flavor that bottled juice can’t quite replicate. I highly recommend squeezing fresh lemons for the most vibrant result.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! I’ve included crockpot instructions in the recipe. Just sauté the veggies first for the best flavor, then combine all ingredients (except the pasta) and cook low for about 8 hours. Add cooked pasta and lemon juice at the end.
Is this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. Store the soup base and pasta separately when possible to keep pasta from becoming soggy, and reheat portions throughout the week for a quick, nutritious meal.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s easy to make, forgiving if you’re a beginner, and flexible enough to suit whatever ingredients or time you have on hand. Whenever I serve it, I get this wonderful feeling of sharing something that’s nourishing and homemade—all wrapped up in a bright, lemony hug. I can’t wait for you to make it, savor it, and maybe even make it your own. You’re going to love having this recipe ready whenever that craving for something fresh and comforting strikes.