Cheesy Chicken Orzo Soup (Super Easy Version!)

If you’re looking for a cheesy chicken Orzo dish that will quell that chill on cold winter days, look no further! I love that this recipe is super easy (takes about half and hour to make!) and has flavor that packs a punch. Plus you just can’t beat a creamy soup when snow is falling or you have a chill. Does anyone else get chills? You know, the kind where you can’t get warm no matter how many layers you have on? I’ve found with that type of chill, the key is either a warm shower or a warm drink or food to warm you up from the inside out. This dish will do that for you!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Orzo Soup

It’s easy!

There’s a reason I write recipes for moms…because I know what moms value! One of my top criteria for a recipe is that it is simple to prepare and kid-friendly. I love that this recipe takes around half an hour to make and is absolutely cozy and delicious. This cheesy chicken orzo soup doesn’t taste easy (don’t you think orzo sounds fancy haha). But it totally is. So if you need a company soup to serve with crusty bread, this is for you! Or if you just want something that your kids will love that isn’t boxed mac and cheese, this recipe won’t disappoint!

It’s packed with flavor

Let’s face it…some easy soups aren’t that tasty. The only reason you make them is because they are fast. While this recipe IS fast, but it totally delivers on flavor. Between the cheese and bacon and the minced onion and garlic, there’s so much going on to please your palate. I would absolutely make this for company and special occasions…in fact, I made it for Christmas dinner!

Ingredients in Cheesy Chicken Orzo Soup

Butter- essential for adding a creamy flavor to the dish!

Flour- gives body to the broth to for an amazing mouth feel!

Garlic and Onion- Classics in soup and they pair so well with the cheese and bacon!

Orzo- helps fill you up on a cold winter day!

Rotisserie Chicken- You guys this is my favorite new kitchen hack! If you buy rotisserie chickens cold, you can get a whole chicken for less than 4 bucks! Soooo easy and they know how to season them so well! If you’re looking for other rotisserie chicken recipes, check out this blog post on 30 rotisserie chicken recipes!

Bacon- makes this dish a million times better…and it’s already so good!

Cheddar Cheese- because melted cheese in the wintertime is just about the coziest ingredients imaginable.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken Orzo Soup

1. Combine the flour, garlic, butter, and minced onion! Stir constantly for a couple minutes until golden brown.

2. Add chicken broth and whisk until flour is dissolved

3. Add Orzo and chicken and boil until orzo is cooked through. Then add half-and-half

4. Add cheese and bacon and enjoy!!

Can I Freeze Cheesy Chicken Orzo Soup?

I tried freezing it and didn’t have great success as the orzo got a bit soggy. I’d recommend just enjoying it fresh or heating from refrigeration.

How Can I Tell When The Orzo Is Done?

The orzo should be tender but still retain it’s shape and texture. It will be similar to the texture of cooked rice. If you’re still not sure, check out this post on how to cook orzo.

Looking for other fun main dishes?

Check out this fun Pork Con Tiki Recipe

Looking For Festive Winter Favorites?

Doctored Up Red Velvet Cake Mix That Tastes Homemade

Cranberry White Chocolate Granola- Perfect For Gifting!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Chicken Orzo Soup (Super Easy Version!)

Author: Hannah

Ingredients

Servings

• 2 tablespoons butter (salted)

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 2 teaspoons garlic

• 2 teaspoons minced onion (dried)

• 5 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup orzo

• 1 cup half and half

• 1 whole rotisserie chicken (meat pulled off the bones and skin taken off)

• 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, whisk the flour, butter, garlic, and minced onion for 2 minutes until butter is melted and ingredients are combined and golden brown. 

    

2. Next, stirring constantly, add 5 cups of chicken broth to the mixture and stir until flour mixture is dissolved in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Add the orzo and chicken once the water is boiling. Cook for 13-20 minutes or until the Orzo is tender (mine took 17 minutes but I would check frequently to be safe since nobody wants mushy Orzo!)

4. Once the Orzo is cooked, reduce heat and add the shredded cheese and half and half. Stir until cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. Add the cooked bacon and take off the heat.

5. Please note, this soup does not freeze well because of the Orzo. Enjoy it hot...it will get gobbled up in no time!