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Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe for a Cozy Dinner Night

A delightful dish that's both comforting and vibrant, perfect for busy weeknights with quick prep and cleanup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Ideal for searing chicken.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Butter Can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots can be used as an alternative.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Adjust quantity based on personal preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence Italian seasoning can be used if needed.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder dish.
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can substitute with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth or White Wine Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian version.
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half is a lighter alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Lime can be used if you're out of lemons.
For Color and Nutrition
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Can substitute with kale or arugula.
For Topping
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley For garnish, other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also be used.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest.
  2. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, herbs de Provence, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Add orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the mixture. Toast for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.
  5. Pour in chicken broth (or white wine), heavy cream, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for roughly 12 minutes until orzo is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until spinach wilts and cheese melts into the sauce.
  7. Slice chicken breasts and nestle on top of orzo. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and lemon slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking. Stir frequently while cooking the orzo to prevent sticking.

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