Name: Herby Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (1 ½-lb) split chicken breast (bone-in, skin-on); Olive oil, for coating; Kosher salt, for seasoning; Freshly cracked black pepper, for seasoning; 1 onion, diced; 2 leeks, thinly sliced; 4 celery stalks, diced; 3 carrots, peeled and diced; 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 tbsp grated fresh turmeric; 2 quarts chicken stock; 2 bay leaves; 1 cup orzo; ¼ cup chopped fresh dill, plus more for topping; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 lemon, juiced; Creme fraiche, for topping (optional); Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of warmth that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Herby Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender roasted chicken, bright herbs, and tender orzo dancing in a fragrant turmeric-infused broth — every spoonful feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s both soul-soothing and refreshingly light, making it perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave a wholesome, delicious soup that feels homemade with love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a metal tray on a white marbled surface, holding several small bowls with prepared ingredients. There is a white bowl filled with finely chopped white onions, a clear glass bowl with chopped celery showing bright green pieces, and a white bowl containing diced orange carrots topped with two bay leaves. Another silver bowl holds thin, curly pale yellow slices of leek. A small glass bowl contains minced garlic with a light cream color, and another small glass bowl holds bright orange grated zest. A metal bowl is filled with uncooked orzo pasta, pale beige in color. Fresh dark green parsley leaves fill a clear glass bowl in the center. Two lemon halves, bright yellow and juicy, rest beside the bowls near some fresh dill with thin green stems. The overall setup is neat and colorful with fresh, raw vegetables and herbs, showing a mix of bright green, orange, white, yellow, and light beige tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Herby Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe just right depends on simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to creating the perfect texture and even bringing beautiful color to your bowl.

Split chicken breast (bone-in, skin-on): Roasting this creates deeply flavorful, juicy meat and rich broth foundation.
Onion, diced: Adds essential savory sweetness and a gentle aroma to the soup base.
Leeks, thinly sliced: Offer a subtle oniony depth without overpowering the soup.
Celery stalks, diced: Provide crunch and freshness that balances the richness.
Carrots, peeled and diced: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to each spoonful.
Garlic cloves, finely chopped: Infuse the broth with warm, fragrant intensity.
Fresh turmeric, grated: Delivers an earthy spice and gorgeous golden hue.
Chicken stock: The flavorful base that ties every ingredient together beautifully.
Bay leaves: Contribute subtle, fragrant herbal notes during simmering.
Orzo: Soft little pasta shapes that soak up broth perfectly and add satisfying body.
Fresh dill, chopped: Adds a bright, almost citrusy herbal finish that’s irresistible.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Lifts the soup with fresh, clean, green flavors.
Lemon juice: Brings just the right amount of tang to brighten the dish.
Creme fraiche (optional): For an indulgent, creamy topping that contrasts with the fresh herbs.
Olive oil: Used for roasting and finishing to add richness and depth.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a satisfying crunch and flavor boost.

How to Make Herby Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and letting the chicken sit out for 30 minutes to reach room temperature—this helps it cook evenly. Place the chicken skin side up on a parchment-lined sheet pan, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning generously with salt. Roast it until the skin crisps up and the meat is juicy and cooked through, about 40-50 minutes. Then, let it cool enough to handle before shredding the meat later. This roasting step is key because it packs your soup with deep, roasted flavor you can’t get any other way.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

While the chicken roasts, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion first and cook for around 5 minutes until it softens. Add the leeks and celery next for another 5 minutes; these veggies layer up the depth and sweetness. Toss in the carrots, garlic, and grated turmeric along with a pinch of salt and cook a few more minutes to release those fragrant spices. This slow-simmered vegetable base is what makes the broth so deliciously aromatic.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken stock and drop in your bay leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then bring everything to a lively boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 20 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together into a beautiful golden broth. This step is where the soup really starts to sing.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Stir in the orzo and continue simmering until it’s tender but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Meanwhile, carefully shred the cooled chicken meat, discarding the bones and skin. Adding the orzo late ensures it maintains a perfect al dente bite that complements the tender chicken.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot, then sprinkle in the fresh dill and parsley for a fresh herbal kick. Finish with the lemon juice for brightness, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. This final step marries all the flavors and adds that special fresh-herb lift that makes this Herby Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe so memorable.

How to Serve Herby Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe

A shallow white bowl filled with chicken soup showing three main layers: a bright yellow broth at the base, with small pieces of shredded chicken mixed evenly throughout; floating diced orange carrots and translucent celery pieces adding texture; the top layer is dotted with green fresh dill sprigs and a dollop of white cream in the center, sprinkled lightly with black pepper. A rustic spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl near the edge, all placed on a white marbled surface with another white bowl partially showing in the top right and a small wooden bowl of coarse salt in the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dollop of creme fraiche adds a luxurious creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the bright herbs. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper on top, then drizzle just a touch of fruity olive oil for a glossy, flavorful finish. A little extra fresh dill garnishing the bowl will make the presentation pop and enhance that fresh herbal aroma.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or warm pita for dunking. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s earthiness and adds a fresh crunch. If you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables for an extra veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve this soup in rustic bowls topped with edible flowers or microgreens. You can also ladle it into individual bread bowls made from small sourdough rounds for a fun and edible presentation. Another lovely option is layering the soup with toasted orzo on top, garnished with herbs, for added texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Herby Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe, simply transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep this soup longer, freeze it in portion-sized containers. Be mindful that the orzo may absorb more liquid and get softer after freezing, so consider slightly undercooking it before freezing to maintain texture when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up without losing any richness. Avoid microwave reheating that can unevenly heat the chicken or orzo.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this Herby Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked and shred easily.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

While this particular recipe centers around roasted chicken, you can easily swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the chicken for a richly flavoured vegetarian orzo soup with the same fresh herbs and veggies.

Can I prepare the soup completely on the stove instead of roasting the chicken?

Yes, you can poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the broth before adding orzo. The roasting step adds extra depth, but poaching is a quicker alternative that still delivers tender chicken.

Should I peel the turmeric root before grating it?

It’s best to peel turmeric before grating to avoid any tough or fibrous bits in your soup. Be sure to use gloves or wash your hands immediately, as turmeric can stain skin and surfaces.

How can I make the soup more filling without changing the recipe too much?

Try adding cooked white beans or chickpeas along with the chicken for extra protein and fiber. Alternatively, increase the orzo slightly or serve with hearty bread on the side for a more substantial meal.

Final Thoughts

This Herby Chicken & Orzo Soup Recipe is more than just a comforting bowl of goodness—it’s a celebration of fresh herbs, tender chicken, and bright flavors that make every spoonful feel special. It’s easy to make yet impressive enough to share, so don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy this heartwarming classic. Trust me, once you make it, this soup will become your go-to whenever you crave something nourishing, delicious, and irresistibly cozy.