One-Pot Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe: A Family Favorite

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring the family together—especially on busy weeknights. This One-Pot Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting, wholesome meal that’s incredibly easy to make and packed with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and flavorful spices. With just one pot and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect recipe to enjoy any day of the week!

Ingredients for Chicken Orzo Soup

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• 6 cups water (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

• Make the Chicken Broth:
  • Place the chicken fillets in a pot with 6 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  • Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and set aside. Strain the broth to remove impurities and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics:
  • In the same pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Cook the Vegetables:
  • Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and spices (thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper) to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
• Simmer the Soup:
  • Pour the strained chicken broth (or water) back into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
• Add the Orzo and Chicken:
  • Stir in the orzo pasta and shredded chicken. Cook for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
• Add the Green Peas:
  • In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen green peas to the pot. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
• Serve:
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Success

• Stir the Orzo Frequently: Orzo tends to stick to the bottom of the pot, so stir regularly while it cooks to keep it from clumping.
• Shred the Chicken While Warm: It’s much easier to shred the chicken when it’s still warm, so don’t wait too long after cooking.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to enhance the flavors to your liking.

Recipe Variations

• Add More Veggies: Customize the soup by adding celery, zucchini, or spinach for an extra dose of nutrients.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta, rice, or even quinoa.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamier soup.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own! 😊

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Orzo Soup

• With Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls for dipping.
• Side Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Cheese Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over each bowl for an extra burst of flavor.
• Lemon Wedge: Add a lemon wedge on the side so everyone can squeeze fresh juice into their soup for brightness.
• For Kids: Serve with crackers or toast cut into fun shapes to make it even more appealing for little ones.

FAQ

Q1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Absolutely! Pre-cooked shredded chicken, like rotisserie chicken, works perfectly. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent it from drying out.

Q2. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well! However, keep in mind that the orzo may absorb extra liquid and become softer when reheated. To fix this, add a splash of water or broth while reheating.

Q3. What can I use instead of orzo? You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even couscous. For a gluten-free option, use rice or quinoa.

Q4. How long does this soup keep in the fridge? Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed.

Q5. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Definitely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q6. How can I make the soup creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a rich, creamy texture.

Q7. What spices can I add to customize the flavor? In addition to thyme and paprika, you can try adding a pinch of chili flakes for heat, Italian seasoning, or turmeric for a golden twist.

I hope you love this One-Pot Chicken Orzo Soup as much as my family does! It’s cozy, delicious, and so easy to make. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out or if you added your own twist!

Happy cooking! 🥣

Latest Recipes on NutriQuorum

Buttered Potatoes with Dill: Warm and Flavorful Recipe

Protein-Packed Yogurt Pancakes with Almond Flour

The Best Classic Hummus Recipe: Creamy, Healthy & Easy to Make

Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Spicy Chorizo: Quick & Delicious Recipe

Easy Ricotta Pancakes Recipe: A Breakfast Game-Changer