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Lemon Chicken Orzo

Tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and bright Mediterranean flavors in one comforting pot
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked through yet. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add diced onion to the remaining oil and chicken drippings. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the uncooked orzo to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Return the browned chicken to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the orzo is tender. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Don't skip browning the chicken for essential flavor. Avoid using too much liquid at once. Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking. Add lemon juice at the end to maintain bright, fresh flavor. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess. Freezing not recommended as cream and orzo texture changes. Recipe doubles easily for meal prep or larger families.