Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delicious and simple weeknight dinner that comes together in one pan. Juicy chicken and creamy lemon orzo make for a perfect dinner when you want something easy but also satisfying that the whole family will enjoy.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
I love this recipe because it's simple to make, turns out creamy without a ton of heavy ingredients and both of my kids devoured it! Chicken, orzo, garlic, lemons, chicken broth...and just a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.
The spinach and dill really brighten and lighten up the dish while butter keeps it flavorful and just rich enough.
Similar to my Chicken with White Wine Sauce, this dish all cooks in one large skillet which makes for very easy clean up!
Ingredients you’ll need
- Thin cut chicken breasts
- Kosher salt + pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil + butter
- Garlic + shallot
- Dry orzo
- Chicken broth
- Lemon zest + juice
- Grated Parmesan
- Baby spinach
- Fresh dill for garnish
How to make Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
-
Season and brown the chicken.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet, then cook the chicken until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate. -
Build the flavor.
In the same pan, add more butter, followed by minced garlic and chopped shallot. Cook briefly until fragrant.
-
Toast the orzo.
Add dry orzo to the pan, stirring to coat in the buttery garlic mixture.
-
Simmer.
Pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
-
Cook until creamy.
Let the orzo simmer until tender and creamy, about 9–11 minutes. Add a splash more broth if necessary.
-
Finish it up.
Stir the chicken back in along with Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, then add spinach.
-
Serve.
Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
What to serve with it
I usually keep this as a one-pan dinner, but it’s great with a simple green salad and crusty bread on the side. Leftovers make an amazing lunch the next day, just reheat with a splash of broth.
More Chicken Recipes to Try:
- Chicken with White Wine Sauce
- Marinated Greek Chicken Skewers
- Greek Lemon Chicken with Feta
- Stick Baked Asian Chicken
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delicious and simple weeknight dinner that comes together in one pan with juicy chicken and lemon orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thin sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden and nearly cooked through, 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter, garlic,
and shallot. Cook until fragrant about 30 seconds. - Stir in orzo and cook stiring until orzo is lightly toasted for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer,
scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. - Reduce and simmer uncovered until orzo is almost tender about 9 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan with lemon zest, lemon juice,
and Parmesan. Add spinach and stir. - Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until orzo is fully cooked and tender, chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165.
- Stir in Parmesan and top with fresh dill.
Notes
Cooking time for the chicken will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Fillet chicken in half before cooking for a thinner, quicker to cook piece of meat.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!