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One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Ready in 30 Minutes

A fork lifts a creamy bite of chicken and orzo pasta from a white bowl of lemon chicken orzo.
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Make this easy, one-pot creamy lemon chicken orzo for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender chicken and orzo in a bright, zesty lemon sauce, ready fast for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed)
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is mostly tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Add more broth if the pasta seems dry before it is cooked.
  7. Stir in the cooked chicken, lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
  8. If using, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a Greek-inspired flavor, add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese along with the Parmesan.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, let the orzo simmer uncovered for the last few minutes.
  • This recipe works well with chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe-one-pot/