Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo
This Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a creamy, one-pot meal made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying — a lighter take on creamy pasta that feels indulgent without being heavy. Great for weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy lunch.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Orzo:
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot or 1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Saute Aromatics:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil or butter if needed.
Saute shallots/onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Orzo:
Add the dry orzo to the pan. Stir for 1–2 minutes to toast slightly.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Lower heat, cover partially, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Add Lemon & Finish:
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan, cream (if using), and cooked chicken.
Cook another 1–2 minutes to warm everything through and thicken slightly.
Garnish with chopped parsley or dill.
Notes
Creamy or not: This dish can be made creamy with Parmesan and cream or kept light with just lemon and broth.
Add greens: Stir in spinach or arugula in the last few minutes for extra nutrients.
Meal prep: Stores well for 3–4 days in the fridge. Add a splash of broth to reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Just skip the raw chicken step and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken at the end to warm through.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Skip the Parmesan and cream, and it’s still delicious. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen up the texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories ~390
Protein ~30g
Carbs ~30g
Fat ~15g
Fiber ~2g
Sodium ~500mg