Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo: A Wholesome and Zesty Delight

A Comforting and Vibrant One-Pot Meal

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delightful one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, velvety orzo, and a bright lemony zest. This meal is perfect for weeknights when you crave something comforting yet refreshing. With a creamy texture, a hint of garlic, and a balanced citrusy tang, it is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Simplicity: Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
• Balanced Flavors: The creaminess is perfectly complemented by the brightness of lemon and herbs.
• Protein-Packed and Filling: Chicken and orzo make a hearty meal.
• Perfect for Any Season: Light enough for warm weather yet comforting for cooler nights.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add garlic and onion. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in oregano and thyme.

3. Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo to the skillet and toast lightly for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and let cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

4. Create the Creamy Base

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, butter, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the spinach wilt slightly.

5. Add the Chicken and Cheese

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring well. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and mix until everything is combined and creamy.

6. Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms.
• Extra Veggies: Add peas, bell peppers, or asparagus for more nutrients.
• Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain consistency.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir frequently while cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Boneless chicken is recommended for quicker preparation.

What can I use instead of orzo?

Pearl couscous or small pasta like ditalini can work as substitutes.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If reheating, add a bit of broth to refresh the texture.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Use gluten-free orzo or substitute it with rice or quinoa.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the dish will be less creamy. Adding a bit of cornstarch can help thicken the sauce.

What type of broth works best?

Chicken broth adds the most flavor, but vegetable broth is a good alternative.

How do I adjust the lemon flavor?

If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the lemon juice slightly or add more Parmesan to balance the acidity.

What herbs pair well with this dish?

Basil, parsley, and dill complement the bright flavors beautifully.

Can I add a protein boost?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp are great additions.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings comfort and zest to your table. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a go-to for busy nights when you need a wholesome, homemade meal. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of creaminess and citrusy freshness!

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Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo: A Wholesome and Zesty Delight

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy, one-pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo featuring tender chicken, velvety orzo, and a zesty lemon touch. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces




• Salt and pepper, to taste




• 2 tablespoons olive oil




• 3 cloves garlic, minced




• 1 small onion, diced




• 1 teaspoon dried oregano




• ½ teaspoon dried thyme




• 1 cup orzo pasta




• 2 cups chicken broth




• ½ cup heavy cream




• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped




• 1 teaspoon lemon zest




• 2 tablespoons lemon juice




• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese




• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Cook the Chicken

  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  • Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.

• Sauté Aromatics

  • In the same skillet, add garlic and onion. Cook until softened (about 2 minutes).

  • Stir in oregano and thyme.

• Cook the Orzo

  • Add orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth.

  • Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

• Create the Creamy Base

  • Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, butter, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

  • Let the spinach wilt slightly.

• Combine and Finish

  • Return cooked chicken to the pan, stirring well.

  • Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy and well combined.

 

• Serve and Garnish

  • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth or cream to maintain consistency.

• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy texture.

 

• Substitutions:

  • Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

  • Swap chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

  • Substitute orzo with pearl couscous, ditalini, or quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: One-Pot Meal
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: creamy lemon chicken orzo, one-pot orzo recipe, lemon chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, weeknight orzo recipe