Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
This creamy lemon chicken orzo soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken with orzo pasta in a rich, tangy broth enhanced by fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Finished with crunchy fried capers, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal that delights with bright citrus notes and creamy texture.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sauteing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Soup Ingredients
- 4 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 3/4 cup light cream
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup white wine
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Fried Capers Garnish
- 3 oz jar of capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Prepare Fried Capers: Heat olive oil in a small to medium pan over medium to medium-high heat. Drain the capers and add to the hot oil, cover loosely with foil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the fried capers to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb excess oil. Set aside for garnish.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in grated garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir well to incorporate, and cook for an additional 30 seconds to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, then season with salt and black pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Stir in Parmesan cheese and light cream. Let simmer, covered, for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Orzo and Chicken: Remove lid and add orzo pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot, scraping bottom and sides as needed, until the pasta is tender.
- Serve: Remove soup from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fried capers, and extra lemon wedge on the side. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Stir the soup often after adding orzo to prevent sticking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Fried capers add a salty, crispy contrast—don’t skip this garnish.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut but cooked shredded chicken can also be used.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: lemon chicken soup, creamy soup, orzo soup, rotisserie chicken recipes, comfort food, easy soup recipes