Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Lemon Chicken Orzo is a light, flavorful dish that pairs tender chicken with a zesty lemon sauce and orzo pasta. It's the perfect meal for a refreshing weeknight dinner that is quick, easy, and satisfying.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon lemon zest

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broth has been absorbed.

While the orzo is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.

Once the orzo is ready, reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve the orzo topped with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the orzo from drying out. It also reheats well in the microwave, but be sure to stir every 30 seconds for even heating.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Lemon Chicken Orzo gluten-free, simply swap out the orzo pasta for a gluten-free version. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available, such as rice-based or corn-based orzo.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best when served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and orzo separately in advance and then combine them when you're ready to serve. Just be sure to store the components in separate containers.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking to ensure even cooking. If you're in a pinch, you can also cook them directly from frozen, but it will take a bit longer.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! You can add some vegetables like spinach, peas, or even asparagus to the skillet after cooking the garlic, before adding the broth. They’ll cook right alongside the orzo and add even more flavor and nutrients.

What should I serve with Lemon Chicken Orzo?

I love serving this dish with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. A light, crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Orzo is the perfect dish when I need something light yet satisfying. The flavors are bright, creamy, and comforting all at once. Plus, it's an easy, one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you make it for a family dinner or a casual lunch, I’m sure you’ll love this dish as much as I do!

Recipe:

Lemon Chicken Orzo

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Lemon Chicken Orzo is a light, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, zesty lemon sauce, and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for a refreshing weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broth has been absorbed.
While the orzo is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
Once the orzo is ready, reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the orzo topped with fresh parsley.