Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add diced carrots, chopped onion, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic along with black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, and salt, allowing the spices to bloom for an additional minute.
Next, incorporate boneless chicken breasts into the pot along with bay leaves and low sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat to a simmer, covering it partially to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
After approximately 30 minutes of simmering, remove the chicken breasts from the pot once they are cooked through. Shred them using two forks and return them to the pot along with dry orzo pasta.
Continue cooking until the orzo is al dente, which should take around 10 minutes more. Stir occasionally while checking consistency; if needed, add more broth or water for desired thickness.
Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice for that signature zing! Taste test and adjust seasoning if necessary before discarding bay leaves.
Ladle your hearty Lemon Chicken Soup into bowls and serve warm either on its own or alongside your choice of rice or pasta for extra comfort!