Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe For Two

If you are ready for a warm and comforting meal that is also easy to make, you are going to love this Chicken Orzo Soup recipe for two! Tender bits of chicken, vegetables and pasta nestled in a light and flavorful seasoned broth.

It is the perfect dish to serve on a crisp and cool day. One bite of this delicious soup and your heart and soul will instantly be warmed.

However if you are not familiar with this variety of soup, think of it as a variation of classic chicken noodle soup. However, the broad, long noodles are replaced with orzo pasta which resembles long grain white rice.

Then lemon is added to the broth, giving the soup a light and fresh taste. The end result is a filling soup filled with chicken and vegetables in a light and refreshing broth that you are going to love.

Best of all, this soup is simple and easy to prepare. With just a few common ingredients you will have dinner on the table in no time!

What Type of Chicken Can I Use In Chicken Orzo Soup?

When it comes to what type of chicken to use in your soup, you have a variety of options. However, just be sure that the chicken is cooked and then shredded or diced before adding it to the pot.

Below I have listed a few common chicken options:

Rotisserie Chicken:

The easiest way to get chicken in your soup is to use the meat from a rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or chop the meat into bite size pieces and add it to your soup.

Cooked Chicken Breast or Thighs: 

You can also cook either chicken breast or chicken thighs prior to making your soup. Use your preferred method for cooking and then once the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, it is ready to be added to the broth.

A quick and easy way to cook the chicken is in an Instant Pot. (Instant Pot Chicken Recipe). In fact, put the chicken in the pressure cooker before starting this recipe and the meat will be done by the time you need to add it to the pot.

Canned Chicken: 

Store-bought canned chicken is an easy option when you’re short on time. It’s pre-cooked and ready to use.

Grilled Chicken: 

Yes, you can even use grilled chicken in your Chicken Orzo soup. The meat will add a slightly smoky, charred flavor to your soup. You can use leftover grilled chicken or grill it specifically for the soup.

Vegetables and Herbs For Chicken Orzo Soup

When it comes to making a delicious and hearty chicken orzo soup, it all starts with the classic mirepoix combination of diced carrots, onions, and celery. Then a little garlic is added to give the soup a little extra flavor.

However, you can also customize your soup with other vegetables to make it a heartier dish. Some common additions include:

• Diced Bell Peppers
• Peas
• Corn
• Zucchini
• Diced Potatoes
• Mushrooms

What Is Orzo?

Orzo is a small, flat oval shaped pasta that resembles small grains of rice. The small shape makes the pasta ideal to use in soups.

However, if you don’t have orzo pasta on hand, you can use a different variety of pasta as a substitute. There are several tiny pasta options available at your grocery store that you can substitute in for this recipe. 

Couscous – although smaller than orzo, the small pebble like pasta can be used as a substitute in this recipe. However, if you go to purchase couscous, be prepared to find it in the grain aisle, next to the rice (although it is actually pasta).

Pastina – includes a variety of tiny pasta shapes, such as stars, alphabets, and small rounds. They are in general smaller than orzo, but can be used in this chicken soup recipe.

Ditalini – these small round tubes of pasta are a common choice for soups, especially in Minestrone soup.

When substituting these tiny pastas in this chicken orzo soup recipe, adjust the cooking time as needed. Different pasta varieties may take more or less time to cook.

To Thicken or Not?

When making chicken orzo soup, the texture will be very similar to a traditional chicken noodle soup. However, if you prefer a thicker broth there is one additional step required. 

Make a simple roux of equal parts butter and flour and when combined it will become a thickening agent. To do this melt butter over low heat.

Then add an equal amount of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth. Gradually whisk the roux into your simmering chicken soup.

As the soup cooks with the roux, the mixture will thicken. Be sure that you allow it to cook for a few minutes so that there is no remaining flour taste in the soup.

Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 cups diced carrots, about 1 large carrot
• 1/4 cup diced celery, about 1 large rib
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion, 1/2 small onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
• 2/3 cup orzo pasta
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 – 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium stockpot, heat the oil over medium heat. Next, add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Then, cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the onions begin to turn translucent.

Next, add the broth, orzo pasta, bay leaf, salt, oregano, basil, and thyme. The, bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender.

Gently stir in the chicken and lemon juice and cook until heated through, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Then, season to taste with additional salt, pepper, and/or red pepper flakes as desired.

Finally, remove the bay leaf and serve warm. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with more Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy! Mary

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