This one pot chicken and bacon orzo soup is perfect for chilly days or when you just need a warm bowl of comfort food. The bacon infuses so much flavor, and orzo is like a perfect hybrid of pasta and rice, adding a wonderful texture.
I’ve decided to judge how productive my days are based on how many times I have to run the dishwasher. It’s a running joke between Jeff and I because when I go out of town for a week, he might run the machine one time.
But in my day to day life, I’m using it at least once per day even though I wash many dishes by hand. And I hate doing dishes. But they’re a clear indicator of whether I’ve been slacking or getting things done.
No job is perfect. Dishes are just part of the deal and I’ve gotten used to them.
Part of the reason this soup is so appealing to me is because there’s very little clean up involved. I use a dutch oven or heavy bottom pot for cooking the soup plus a plate and cutting board for handling the bacon and chicken.
It’s easy, not overly time consuming and perfect for any time of year. I prefer using homemade stock, but low sodium store-bought stock will get the job done.
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This recipe calls for chopped onions. Check out my fast and easy technique for how to chop an onion with step-by-step photos!
More Soup Recipes
If you enjoyed this orzo soup, you may also like my Heirloom Gazpacho, Tomato Bisque, and Cheese Potato Soup! You can also see my full archive of soup recipes here! I also love this Tortilla Soup Recipe from Food and Wine Magazine.
One Pot Chicken and Bacon Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon
- 2 cups yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 large onion)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup celery, diced (approximately 3 ribs)
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
- 1/2 cup orzo
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper or to taste
- chopped fresh parsley to taste
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven or heavy bottom saucepan, render the fat from the bacon over low heat. Once there's a nice layer of fat on the bottom of the pan, turn the heat up slightly and cook the bacon until crisp. Place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Discard all but 2-3 tablespoons of the fat from the pan.
- Add the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots to the pan with a pinch of salt. Cook the vegetables on medium heat for several minutes, stirring periodically, until they have caramelized a bit (Note: the more you caramelize them, the more flavorful the finished soup will be).
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables and cover with the chicken stock. Bring the the liquid to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the chicken and place on a cutting board. Once it has cooled slightly, use 2 forks to shred the meat. Set aside.
- Bring the soup back to a boil and add the orzo. Cook for 8 minutes, uncovered, until the orzo is al dente.
- Add the chicken back to the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dice the reserved bacon. Garnish each bowl of soup with fresh parsley and diced bacon before serving. (Note: the bacon can be reheated either in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at 10 second intervals)
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
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Jane Phipps Hoagland says
Sounds simply delicious & scrumptious, too. Will have to try this one myself very soon, thanx very much.
gjesse says
Just made it and am pleasantly surprised at how good it is! Will definitely become a go to soup recipe – thanks!
Jennifer Farley says
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for leaving the starred review :)
Sarah says
I make a lot of soup, and this is one of the best ones I’ve ever tried! Thanks for a great recipe!
Jennifer Farley says
You made my day, thank you :)
Briana Young says
This recipe is awesome! I substituted the carrots for diced sweet potato (adding them in later with the orzo pasta). I’m a sucker for the sweet/salty combo.
Rachel says
I’ve made this soup a couple of times now exactly how the recipe calls for and it’s absolutely amazing. I’m serious. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. The flavor is great, it’s easy, it tastes even better the next day. Everything about this soup is great. Would highly recommend making it!