Craving something cozy but light, creamy yet zesty? Look no further than Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo, a one-pan wonder that brings together juicy, pan-seared chicken with tender orzo pasta, all swirled in a luscious lemony cream sauce. It’s the perfect balance of richness and brightness, making it an instant weeknight favorite.
This dish is inspired by Mediterranean comfort food, where citrus and herbs take center stage. It all comes together somewhere between risotto and pasta, but better: quicker, easier, and more foolproof. The orzo is deliciously cooked in that savory broth and creamy sauce, and the lemon pops in your mouth. It is very fresh and yummy with the juicy chicken.
Whether you’re making it for a quiet night in or trying to impress visitors, Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo provides sophistication without the work. It also reheats gorgeously, which means it’s perfect for meal prep. One bite, and you’ll know why it should have a home on your comfort food rotation.
💛 Ready to bring creamy, citrusy comfort to your dinner table?
👇 Here’s how to make this easy, one-pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo step-by-step!
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus zester
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper, then sear for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Toast Orzo & Simmer: Stir in the orzo and let it toast for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make it Creamy: Once the orzo is almost cooked, stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the seared chicken. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, until everything is creamy and well combined.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in parmesan cheese. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving warm.
Notes
- For extra tang, add a few thin lemon slices while simmering.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Great with steamed asparagus or green beans on the side.
🔄 Share Your Twist on Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo!
Did you spice it up with red pepper flakes? Maybe swapped in spinach or kale for a green boost? Or did you lighten it up with Greek yogurt instead of cream?
We’d love to see how you made this Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo your own!
📸 Snap a photo, tag us on Instagram @Oooh.delish and use #OoohDelishTwist; we might just feature your creation on our page!
FAQs: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it fresh?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken can be added toward the end of the recipe. Just skip the searing step and stir it in during the creamy sauce phase.
Is orzo a type of rice?
No, orzo is actually a small pasta shaped like rice. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully, making it perfect for creamy one-pot dishes.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened plant-based cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy note.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Try baby spinach, peas, asparagus, or steamed broccoli. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy texture.
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