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This dish is a winner for its quick prep time and delicious, creamy finish, making it a favorite for busy weeknights. This one-skillet lemon chicken orzo is a staple in our household for its ability to blend simple ingredients into something yummy. It’s especially perfect for those evenings when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Quick and Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
This super tasty and creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is an absolute favorite in this house. It’s the perfect meal for those busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes too! So creamy, cheesy, and citrusy, this meal is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious dinner that everyone will love.
It also makes for easy cleanup, using only one skillet to cook. It’s also perfect for leftovers!
Ingredients for One Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Chicken Breast Cutlets: Provides a lean protein base that’s tender and easy to cook.
- Orzo Pasta: A rice-shaped pasta that blends beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Vegetables: Red bell pepper and onion add crunch and sweetness.
- Seasonings: A mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Lemon: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that elevates the creamy texture of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: For a creamy texture and rich taste.
How to Cook Lemon Chicken Orzo in the Skillet
STEP 1 – In a large bowl, marinate the chicken with 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil seasonings and lemon juice.
STEP 2 – In a large skillet add the remaining vegetable oil and set to medium-high heat. Add the chicken once the oil is hot and sear on each side for 6-7 minutes, or until both sides are browned and cooked through. Set the chicken aside.
STEP 3 – In the same skillet, add the butter, red bell pepper, onion, garlic and Italian seasoning. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the orzo and stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes.
STEP 4 – Add the chicken broth and stir, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook on low for 12-14 minutes.
STEP 5 – Once done add the spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan and stir. Squeeze the juice of a lemon all over and stir once more.
STEP 6 – Slice the chicken and add on top of the orzo, top with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Skillet Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a big difference, especially the Parmesan and heavy cream.
- Don’t Rush the Searing: Getting a good sear on the chicken adds depth to the flavor.
- Stir Regularly: Keep the orzo from sticking to the pan and ensure even cooking.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Variations
- Add Extra Veggies: Consider throwing in some mushrooms or zucchini for a twist.
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try this with shrimp for a seafood version.
Easy Chicken Orzo FAQs
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to a day in advance. Keep it in the refrigerator and gently reheat, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed.
Gently reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Yes, while orzo is ideal for its texture, you can use other small pastas like ditalini or even broken pieces of spaghetti.
Lemon Chicken Orzo is not just a meal but an experience that combines simple ingredients for maximum flavor. With a cook time of just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal recipe for any night of the week.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress with its blend of flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for a comforting dinner at home or as a show-stopping dish at your next gathering, Lemon Chicken Orzo is a recipe that you’ll want to keep on hand for any occasion.
More Chicken Dinner Recipes:
- slow cooker chicken thighs
- copycat PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- slow cooker Mississippi chicken
- brown sugar pineapple chicken bites
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, (about 4 medium chicken breasts)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 1 minced yellow onion
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 10 ounces chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, marinate the 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast with 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 Tablespoon lemon juice.
- In a large skillet add the remaining vegetable oil and set to medium-high heat. Add the chicken once the oil is hot and sear on each side for 6-7 minutes, or until both sides are browned and cooked through. Set the chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 minced yellow onion, 1 Tablespoon minced garlic and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the 1 cup orzo pasta and stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the 10 ounces chicken broth and stir, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook on low for 12-14 minutes.
- Once done add the 1 1/2 cups spinach leaves, 3/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and stir. Squeeze the juice of a lemon all over and stir once more. Slice the chicken and add on top of the orzo, top with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This single skillet chicken orzo dish is a delicious and easy dinner. Love the flavors!