Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo: An Easy One Pan Comfort Meal
If you’re looking for a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s both cozy and refreshing, this Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is the perfect choice! Tender chicken, velvety orzo, and a bright lemony sauce come together in a dish that’s comforting yet light, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 3-4 chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach optional
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo
- In the same pan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer & Finish the Dish
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cover. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. If using spinach, add it now and let it wilt.
- Let everything cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness!