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If you're feeling a bit run down, this is your sign to make a big pot of my ‘Heal Me’ Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup 🍋🍲
It’s light but cosy, nourishing without being heavy, and packed with protein and fresh lemon flavour that just feels good. Perfect for when you want something comforting, warming and restorative whether that’s lunch, dinner, or a freezer stash for busy weeks.
Serve with a crusty slice of bread and you’ve got the ultimate feel-good meal.
Why you'll love this recipe
Minimal washing up - dump everything in the pot
Comfort in a bowl
Great for batch cooking + meal prep
This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl simple, soothing and exactly what your body wants.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
10 minutes
25 mins
4
Soup • High Protein • Comfort Food • Winter Recipes
Delicious ‘Heal Me’ Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup
Ingredients
2 medium carrots, diced
2 small onions, diced
2 celery sticks, diced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
100 g orzo
Handful of spinach
½ lemon, juiced + zested
300 g cooked shredded chicken breast
1 litre chicken stock
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp grated parmesan
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start the base.
Heat olive oil in a medium pan over a medium heat.
Add celery, onions and carrots, sprinkle over Italian seasoning, season well and sauté until softened.Add the stock & orzo.
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the orzo, cover with a lid and cook on low for 15–20 minutes until tender.Add protein & greens.
Stir in the cooked chicken and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Add the spinach and parmesan and cook for a few minutes until wilted.Finish & serve.
Finish with lemon juice, zest, cracked black pepper, extra parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if you like.
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THE FULL MACROS READY FOR YOU
CALORIES | 215
‘Heal Me’ Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup under 300 calories per serving (215)
PROTEIN | 21.2G
‘Heal Me’ Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup over 20g per serving (21.2g)
CARBS | 23G
‘Heal Me’ Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup under 25g carbs per serving (23g Carbohydrates).
FAT | 5.5G
‘Heal Me’ Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup under 10g fat per serving (5.5g fat)
FIBRE | 3.5G
‘Heal Me’ Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup (3.5g fibre).
A light, balanced soup that’s nourishing, high-protein and incredibly satisfying.
Why choose this Slow Cooker Beef Madras Recipe?
HIGH PROTEIN RECIPE
EASY TO COOK IN ONE POT
THE PERFECT COMFORT FOOD AFTER A LONG DAY
UNDER 300 CALORIES
Swaps & Upgrades
Extra protein: Add more chicken or white beans
Make it dairy-free: Skip parmesan or use a DF alternative
Gluten-free: Swap orzo for rice or GF pasta
More veg: Add courgette, peas or leeks
Creamier: Stir in a spoon of Greek yoghurt at the end
Extra zing: Add more lemon zest just before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes — it keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Can I freeze Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup?
Yes, but note the orzo will soften slightly when reheated. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes — add raw diced chicken breast with the stock and simmer until cooked through before adding orzo.
Is this soup good when you’re feeling unwell?
Absolutely. It’s light, hydrating, warm and gentle — ideal when you’re run-down or under the weather.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — swap chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable stock.
Why is my soup too thick?
Orzo absorbs liquid as it sits. Simply add extra stock or water when reheating.
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More Recipes at Archer Kitchen
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