Description

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that perfectly balances comfort and flavor. This one-pan meal features tender chicken cooked with creamy orzo pasta, enhanced by the brightness of fresh lemon zest and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe not only delivers on taste but also offers convenience, as it requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft, then add minced garlic and orzo; cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet and cook uncovered until the orzo is tender and creamy, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm garnished with parsley and lemon slices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
Calories: 485
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg