Lemon orzo chicken recipe is a creamy, one-pan dish made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. This recipe tastes rich, fresh, and comforting, with a balanced mix of citrus and savory flavors.
I made this lemon orzo chicken recipe because I wanted something quick yet satisfying for dinner. I was inspired to cook it after watching a cooking video featuring a similar Mediterranean-style dish.
The main specialty of this lemon orzo chicken recipe is its creamy texture paired with bright lemon flavor. I will now show up and guide step-by-step how to make this flavorful meal.
Why Peoples Like Lemon Orzo Chicken Recipe?
People like lemon orzo chicken recipe because it’s flavorful, creamy, and comforting while still feeling light and fresh. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and soft orzo pasta creates a balanced dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.
It’s easy to make in one pan, which saves time and cleanup. The recipe also allows for flexibility with added vegetables or herbs, making it a favorite for families and weeknight dinners
How To Prepare Lemon Orzo Chicken Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Servings (Yield): 4–6 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Large skillet or deep sauté pan (with lid)
- Cutting board and knife
- Citrus zester or grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp dried basil (or fresh chopped parsley, dill, or a mix)
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 16 oz (450 g) dry orzo pasta
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Optional vegetables:
- 1 cup peas
- Chopped asparagus
- Wilted spinach
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until lightly browned and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened (2–3 minutes). Stir in Italian seasoning and dried basil (or fresh herbs).
3. Cook the Orzo:
Add dry orzo to the pan and toast for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Chicken & Flavorings:
Return the chicken to the pan. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, heavy cream, and optional vegetables. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the orzo is tender, chicken is cooked through, and the vegetables are softened.
5. Finish the Dish:
Stir in cubed butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
6. Serve:
Serve warm, garnished with extra herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition Facts Of Lemon Orzo Chicken Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 513 mg |
| Cholesterol | 53 mg |
| Calcium | 95 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Hot Tips To Make Your Lemon Orzo Chicken Recipe Truly Stand Out
1. Sear the chicken well – Browning the chicken before simmering locks in flavor and adds a delicious crust. Don’t skip it!
2. Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled lemon juice can taste flat. Freshly squeezed lemon brings out the bright, zesty flavor that makes this dish shine.
3. Stir the orzo regularly – Orzo can stick to the bottom if left alone. A few stirs while it cooks will keep it creamy and smooth.
4. Finish with herbs – Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil at the end add a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
5. Let it rest – After cooking, let the dish sit for 5 minutes off the heat. The flavors will meld, and the orzo will absorb just the right amount of liquid.
How To Make Lemon Orzo Chicken Recipe Tastier?
To make lemon orzo chicken Recipe even tastier, focus on layering flavor at every step. Start by searing the chicken until golden for a rich, savory base.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for vibrant citrus flavor, and swap dried herbs for fresh ones like parsley, dill, or basil to brighten the dish.
Stir in sautéed garlic and onion early for depth, and finish with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan for a creamy, umami-rich finish. Don’t forget a splash of extra broth or cream before serving to keep it luscious and velvety.
Amazing Serving Ideas For Lemon Orzo Chicken Recipe
1. With Garlic Roasted Vegetables – Serve it alongside roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus tossed in garlic and olive oil for a hearty, colorful plate.
2. Topped with Crumbled Feta – Sprinkle some feta cheese over the dish just before serving for a creamy, tangy twist.
3. Paired with a Cucumber Yogurt Salad – A cool, refreshing cucumber salad with dill and Greek yogurt balances the warm lemony flavors perfectly.
4. In Lettuce Wraps – Scoop the lemon orzo chicken into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a fun, fresh low-carb option.
5. As a Stuffed Pepper Filling – Spoon the orzo mixture into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a creative and comforting meal.
How Do You Preserve Lemon Orzo Chicken Recipe?
To preserve lemon orzo chicken recipe, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the orzo and keep it creamy.
For longer storage, you can freeze it in portioned containers for up to 2 months—just note that the texture of the orzo may soften slightly after thawing. Always reheat gently over the stove or in the microwave to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This lemon orzo chicken recipe turned out to be an easy and delicious success. I really enjoyed making and eating it, and I hope you feel inspired to try it too.
The steps are simple, the ingredients come together beautifully, and the final dish is full of flavor. Now it’s your turn to make it soon and enjoy the results. After you try it, come back and tell me how much you liked it and how delicious it turned out for you.
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