In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, chopped onion, and celery, sautéing until they are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic along with black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, and salt. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic is aromatic.
Add the bay leaves and boneless chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to simmer.
Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks.
Return shredded chicken back into the pot along with dry orzo pasta. Continue cooking until pasta is al dente—about 10 minutes depending on package instructions.
Once cooked, stir in fresh squeezed lemon juice just before serving. Taste for seasoning adjustments if necessary before ladling into bowls and enjoying your cozy lemon chicken soup!