Soups & Stews

Chicken And Orzo Soup

Name: Chicken And Orzo Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 1 cup (180g) orzo; 4 cups (1L) chicken broth; 2 tbsp (30g) butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 cups (250g) frozen peas and carrots; 1 cup (120g) grated cheddar cheese, optional; Salt and pepper to taste

By Otto Larkin · June 19, 2026 · Soups & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made Chicken And Orzo Soup for my family - it was a chilly winter evening, and we all gathered around the table, eager to warm up with a comforting bowl of goodness. The combination of juicy chicken, tender orzo, and aromatic vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth was an instant hit, and it's been a staple in our household ever since.

As a home cook, I love that this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. It's also incredibly versatile - you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, and it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of high-quality chicken broth as the base. I like to use homemade broth whenever possible, but store-bought works just as well. The key is to use a rich, flavorful broth that will add depth and complexity to the soup. From there, it's just a matter of adding in the chicken, orzo, and vegetables, and letting everything simmer together until it's tender and delicious.

I've made this recipe countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a seasoned cook looking to add a new recipe to your repertoire, Chicken And Orzo Soup is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the process of making Chicken And Orzo Soup from scratch, including tips and tricks for getting the best flavor and texture. I'll also provide you with some variations and substitutions, so you can make the recipe your own and experiment with different ingredients and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The soup is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
The use of high-quality chicken broth as the base adds depth and complexity to the soup, making it a cut above other chicken soups.
The recipe is perfect for a special occasion, such as a holiday dinner or a birthday party.
The soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it a great option for meal prep.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
The soup is a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables, reducing food waste and saving you money.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Chicken And Orzo Soup is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the chicken and orzo until they're tender and flavorful. This means using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are more tender and juicy than breast meat, and cooking them in a rich, flavorful broth until they're fall-apart tender.

The orzo is also an important component of the soup, and it's essential to cook it until it's tender but still slightly firm in the center. This helps to add texture and depth to the soup, and it also helps to thicken the broth slightly, so it's not too watery.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of aromatics, such as onion, garlic, and carrot, which add a depth of flavor to the soup. These ingredients are sautéed in butter until they're soft and fragrant, then the chicken and orzo are added, along with the broth and any other desired ingredients.

Finally, the soup is simmered until the chicken and orzo are cooked through, and the flavors have melded together. This can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the heat level and the size of the chicken and orzo. The result is a delicious, comforting soup that's perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Chicken And Orzo Soup, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken, orzo, vegetables, and broth. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores, and you may already have some of them in your pantry.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality chicken and vegetables, and select a good-quality broth that's low in sodium. You can also use leftover chicken or vegetables to make the soup, which is a great way to reduce food waste and save money.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessBoneless, skinless chicken thighs are more tender and juicy than breast meat, and they're perfect for making chicken soup. You can also use leftover chicken or turkey if you have it on hand.
1 cup (180g) orzoOrzo is a type of pasta that's shaped like a grain of rice. It's perfect for making soup because it's small and cooks quickly, and it adds a nice texture to the dish. You can find orzo in most grocery stores, usually in the pasta or international foods section.
4 cups (1L) chicken brothHigh-quality chicken broth is essential for making great chicken soup. You can use homemade broth or store-bought broth, whichever you prefer. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium broth to avoid adding too much salt to the dish.
2 tbsp (30g) butterButter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the soup, and it helps to thicken the broth slightly. You can also use olive oil or other cooking oil if you prefer.
1 medium onion, choppedOnion adds a sweet, savory flavor to the soup, and it helps to thicken the broth slightly. You can use any type of onion you like, but yellow or white onion works best.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the soup, and it helps to boost the immune system. You can use more or less garlic depending on your taste preferences.
2 medium carrots, choppedCarrots add a sweet, crunchy texture to the soup, and they help to add color and flavor to the dish. You can use any type of carrot you like, but baby carrots or regular carrots work best.
2 stalks celery, choppedCelery adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the soup, and it helps to add texture and depth to the dish. You can use any type of celery you like, but regular celery or celery root works best.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme adds a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the soup, and it helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can use fresh or dried thyme, whichever you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt helps to bring out the flavors in the soup, and it adds a touch of savory flavor to the dish. You can use more or less salt depending on your taste preferences.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the soup, and it helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can use more or less pepper depending on your taste preferences.
2 cups (250g) frozen peas and carrotsFrozen peas and carrots add a burst of color and flavor to the soup, and they help to add texture and depth to the dish. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, whichever you prefer.
1 cup (120g) grated cheddar cheese, optionalCheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor to the soup, and it helps to thicken the broth slightly. You can use more or less cheese depending on your taste preferences, or omit it altogether if you prefer a dairy-free soup.
Salt and pepper to tasteThis is where you can add any additional seasonings you like to the soup, such as more salt, pepper, or herbs. Just be sure to taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch ovenColander or strainerMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaCheese grater or shredder, optionalImmersion blender or regular blender, optional

How to Make Chicken And Orzo Soup

1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
3
Add the chopped carrots and celery and cook until they're tender, about 5 minutes. You can add a splash of water to the pot if the vegetables start to brown too quickly.
4
Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You can add a little more butter or oil to the pot if the chicken starts to stick.
5
Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7
Add the orzo to the pot and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until it's tender and the liquid has been absorbed. You can add more broth to the pot if the orzo starts to stick or the soup becomes too thick.
8
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook until they're tender, about 2-3 minutes. You can add more broth to the pot if the vegetables start to stick or the soup becomes too thick.
9
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
10
If using cheese, stir it in until it's melted and the soup is creamy. You can add more or less cheese depending on your taste preferences, or omit it altogether if you prefer a dairy-free soup.
11
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese. You can also serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a filling and satisfying meal.
12
Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it for later use. You can reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and bubbly.
13
Experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the soup your own. You can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition, or use different types of cheese or herbs for a unique twist.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the orzo, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
Add the frozen peas and carrots towards the end of cooking time, so they retain their color and texture.
Use a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onion, for added flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a unique twist.
Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it for later use.
Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and bubbly.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a filling and satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using high-quality chicken broth, which can result in a bland or unappetizing soup.
Overcooking the orzo, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not adding the frozen peas and carrots towards the end of cooking time, which can result in a soup that's overly cooked and unappetizing.
Not letting the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it, which can result in a soup that's unevenly heated or unappetizing.
Not reheating the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, which can result in a soup that's unevenly heated or unappetizing.
Not serving the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad, which can result in a meal that's unsatisfying or unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or feta, for a unique twist.
Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a unique twist.
Add some heat to the soup with a diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes.
Use leftover chicken or turkey for a budget-friendly and convenient option.
Add some cream or coconut milk for a rich and creamy soup.
Use different types of pasta, such as elbow macaroni or shells, for a unique twist.

What to Serve With Chicken And Orzo Soup

Serve the Chicken And Orzo Soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese. You can also serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a filling and satisfying meal.

Some other options for serving the soup include:

- A side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, for added flavor and nutrition.

- A green salad with a light vinaigrette, for a refreshing and healthy option.

- A side of crusty bread or crackers, for a satisfying and filling meal.

- A dollop of sour cream or yogurt, for a tangy and creamy addition.

Crusty breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled cheese sandwichFresh fruit saladYogurt parfait

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it for later use. You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

To reheat the soup, simply place it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and bubbly. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it's hot and steaming.

Some tips for storing and reheating the soup include:

- Letting the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it, to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

- Storing the soup in an airtight container, to prevent the absorption of other flavors and odors.

- Reheating the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent the soup from becoming unevenly heated or unappetizing.

- Adding a splash of water or broth to the soup when reheating it, to thin it out and prevent it from becoming too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best type of chicken to use for this recipe. They're tender, juicy, and have a rich, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the orzo and vegetables.

Can I use leftover chicken or turkey for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken or turkey for this recipe. Simply chop the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot along with the other ingredients.

What type of orzo is best for this recipe?

Any type of orzo will work for this recipe, but I prefer to use a high-quality, whole-wheat orzo for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to the soup?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the soup to suit your taste preferences. Some options include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, as well as different types of cheese or herbs.

How long can I store the soup in the refrigerator or freezer?

You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply let the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it, and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and bubbly.

Can I make the soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it later. Simply let the soup cool completely, then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve. Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and bubbly.

Is the soup suitable for a special diet?

The soup is relatively healthy and can be adapted to suit a variety of special diets. Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and choose whole-wheat orzo for added nutrition and fiber.

Can I serve the soup at a special occasion?

Yes, the soup is perfect for serving at a special occasion, such as a holiday dinner or a birthday party. Simply make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve, and garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor and presentation.

The Full Recipe

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