Chicken Orzo Soup

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I’ve fallen head over heels for Chicken Orzo Soup, and you will too!

It’s a perfect comfort meal when the weather turns chilly or when something soothing is needed after a long day.

The combination of tender chicken, al dente orzo and fresh veggies swimming in savory broth is simply magical.

This recipe might make you wonder how you lived without it.

There’s a secret ingredient that takes this soup from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Contents show

Ingredients

Recommended Tools

Making this delicious Chicken Orzo Soup is a breeze when you have the right kitchen tools on hand. These kitchen essentials will help you prep, cook and serve this comforting soup with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Large Soup Pot:
Essential for simmering your soup and providing enough room for all ingredients to cook evenly.
Chef’s Knife:
Makes quick work of chopping onions, carrots, celery and cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting Board:
Provides a clean, stable surface for prepping all your vegetables and chicken.
Wooden Spoon:
Perfect for stirring your soup without scratching the pot during the sautéing and simmering stages.
Measuring Cups:
Helps you add the right amount of orzo pasta and broth for perfect soup consistency.
Soup Ladle:
Makes serving your finished chicken orzo soup neat and easy without spills.

Instructions

Let’s get your chicken orzo soup bubbling! Start by melting butter in a large pot, then toss in your chopped sweet onion and minced garlic cloves. Let them dance together for about 3 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly softened.

Next, throw in your sliced carrots, sliced celery, dried Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir and let these veggies sauté for another 3-5 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Time to add the star of the show – add your boneless skinless chicken breasts to the pot along with chicken broth. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then immediately turn down the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic happens as the chicken cooks through and flavors meld together!

Once your chicken is fully cooked, fish it out of the pot (don’t throw out that broth!). Now’s the perfect moment to add your dried orzo pasta directly to the soup. Cook until the orzo is tender – it absorbs all those delicious flavors!

While the pasta cooks, chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces. When the orzo is ready, add the chicken back to the pot. This is your moment to taste and adjust! Add salt and pepper until it’s just right for your taste buds.

For the finishing touch, stir in fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese. These final ingredients take your soup from good to spectacular! Serve it up while it’s warm and watch everyone ask for seconds!

Pro Tips

For a time-saving shortcut, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts – simply shred it and add during the final minutes of cooking with the orzo, reducing total cooking time by nearly 20 minutes while maintaining rich flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

This classic chicken orzo soup can be customized with simple ingredient swaps that transform the flavor profile while maintaining its comforting essence.

Mediterranean Style: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano and add kalamata olives, feta cheese and fresh lemon juice for a Greek-inspired twist.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas for protein.
Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the vegetables and finish with a squeeze of lime for a soup with kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with quinoa or rice to make this dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Creamy Adaptation: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a richer soup experience.
Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or chunks of mild white fish added during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a seafood variation.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Three simple strategies will maximize your chicken orzo soup’s shelf life while preserving its homemade flavor.

First, refrigerate your soup within two hours of cooking in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Second, freeze portions in zip-top bags for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Finally, reheat on the stovetop until steaming hot, adding a splash of broth if it’s thickened.

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