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.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, diced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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1 cup orzo pasta
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2 cups chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 cup baby spinach, chopped
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken
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Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics
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In the same skillet, add garlic and onion. Cook until softened (about 2 minutes).
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Stir in oregano and thyme.
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Cook the Orzo
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Add orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth.
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Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
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Create the Creamy Base
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Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, butter, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
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Let the spinach wilt slightly.
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Combine and Finish
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Return cooked chicken to the pan, stirring well.
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Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy and well combined.
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Serve and Garnish
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Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
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Notes
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Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth or cream to maintain consistency.
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Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy texture.
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Substitutions:
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Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
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Swap chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
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Substitute orzo with pearl couscous, ditalini, or quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
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- 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