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Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a comforting and elegant one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, and velvety cream combined with orzo pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish balances bright citrus flavors with creamy richness for a satisfying and flavorful experience.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Orzo and Sauce

  • 1 cup orzo pasta (regular or gluten-free)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)

Garnishes (optional)

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes (for spice)
  • Toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute) being careful not to burn. Add dry orzo pasta and toast briefly, stirring constantly until lightly golden to enhance its nutty flavor.
  3. Add Broth and Cook Orzo: Pour in chicken broth along with lemon zest and juice, stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir until the sauce is creamy and the chicken is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best experience.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook orzo to maintain a tender but firm texture.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and juiciness.
  • Stir constantly while toasting garlic and orzo to avoid burning.
  • Adjust cream quantity to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free orzo)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo, one-pan meal, quick dinner, lemon chicken, orzo pasta, creamy chicken recipe