Creamy Lemon–Herb Chicken Orzo Bake (Mediterranean Comfort)
This is the kind of dish people thank you for. Warm, creamy (but not heavy), lemony, herby, and deeply comforting—perfect for family dinners, guests, or a cozy night when you want food that feels like care.
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 35 minutes
Total: ~50 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Chicken & Orzo
500 g chicken thighs or breasts, bite-sized
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt & black pepper
Creamy Lemon Sauce
1½ cups chicken broth
¾ cup milk or light cream
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup grated parmesan (optional but lovely)
Finish
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté for Flavor
Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.
In an oven-safe pan, heat olive oil.
Add onion, cook until soft. Add garlic, oregano, thyme.
2️⃣ Add Chicken
Stir in chicken, season with salt & pepper.
Cook 3–4 minutes until lightly golden (not fully cooked).
3️⃣ Make it Creamy
Add orzo, broth, milk, lemon zest & juice.
Stir gently, bring to a light simmer.
4️⃣ Bake
Sprinkle parmesan (if using).
Transfer to oven and bake 30–35 minutes, until orzo is tender and creamy.
5️⃣ Finish with Love
Top with tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Servings
Extra lemon zest on top
Drizzle of olive oil before serving
Warm bread on the side
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Is it heavy?
No—creamy but balanced with lemon and herbs.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. It reheats beautifully with a splash of milk.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—swap chicken for chickpeas + mushrooms and use veggie broth.
🧮 Nutrition Information
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: ~32 g
Fiber:10 g
Carbohydrates:20 g
Sugar:0 g