Description
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Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, bright lemon, and creamy orzo. This easy and satisfying dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a balanced mix of richness and citrusy freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo and toast for a minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Cheese and Greens: Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Mix in spinach or kale until wilted.
- Return the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, mixing it into the creamy orzo.
- Final Seasoning: Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in mozzarella or gouda for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Indian-inspired
Keywords: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo, one-pot meal, easy chicken dinner, creamy pasta recipe, lemon orzo recipe