This creamy chicken orzo soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, cozy orzo pasta, and a rich creamy broth, it’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need comfort.
I love how easy it is to make! Just toss everything into one pot, and let it simmer. You’ll have a delicious meal in no time—great with a slice of bread for dipping!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Use either, depending on your preference! Olive oil gives a nice flavor, while butter adds richness. You could also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness. If you’re short on onions, shallots or leeks work well too. They’ll give a different flavor but still be delicious!
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is key for texture. If you can’t find orzo, try ditalini or small rice. Gluten-free options like quinoa or brown rice also work nicely.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is easy and tasty! If you’re vegetarian, you can use chickpeas or white beans for protein instead.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, use heavy cream or half-and-half. You can substitute with coconut milk for a lighter and dairy-free version!
Herbs: Fresh herbs brighten this dish. If you don’t have fresh thyme or dill, use dried, but reduce the amount to about 1/3 since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Make the Soup Creamy Without Clumping?
To get that silky smooth texture when adding cream, it’s important to combine it properly. Here’s how:
- In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the cream until fully combined to avoid lumps.
- Slowly add this mixture to the pot while stirring continuously. This helps incorporate it evenly without clumping.
- Allow the soup to simmer gently; too much boiling can cause cream to curdle, so keep it on medium-low after adding.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve a lovely creamy soup that’s free of any unwanted lumps!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill (plus more for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Juice of one lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken orzo soup will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 25 minutes for cooking. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious homemade soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these vegetables while stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic:
Once the veggies have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until it becomes aromatic. This is where the magic starts to happen!
3. Boil the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes around 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Combine Chicken and Seasonings:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in your cooked chicken, dried thyme, dill, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer gently for about 5 minutes to warm the chicken thoroughly and allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Make It Creamy:
If you want a thicker soup, in a small bowl, whisk the flour into the heavy cream until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into your soup while stirring continuously. Let it cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens slightly and achieves that creamy texture we love.
6. Add Lemon Juice:
Finally, stir in the lemon juice to add a refreshing brightness to your soup. This balance of flavors is what makes it extra special!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes, just a little more salt or pepper can make all the difference!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your creamy chicken orzo soup hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness!
This soup is rich, creamy, and perfect for those chilly days. The zing of lemon really elevates it, making each bite delightful!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this soup and adds a similar flavor. Just shred it and add it in the same way you would the cooked chicken.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use olive oil in place of butter. It will add a unique flavor while keeping it creamy!
What If I Don’t Have Orzo Pasta?
No worries! You can substitute orzo with ditalini, small macaroni, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure it’s tender but not mushy.