Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is the perfect balance of comfort and brightness.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Orzo
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or peas
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in orzo.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
- Nestle chicken back into skillet and simmer 5 minutes until heated through. Add spinach if using.
- Garnish and serve.
Notes
- Use thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add capers for a briny pop.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is the perfect balance of comfort and brightness. Golden-seared chicken is nestled into tender orzo that cooks directly in a silky lemon-Parmesan cream sauce, soaking up every layer of flavor. The citrus adds a fresh, zippy contrast to the richness, keeping the dish light and lively while still deeply satisfying.
Garlic and butter create a savory base, while Parmesan brings gentle nuttiness and depth. As everything simmers together, the orzo turns creamy and risotto-like, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. This one-pan meal feels elegant without being fussy, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and relaxed dinners with friends. Finish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon for a final pop of freshness. Served with a simple salad or crusty bread, it’s a meal that’s cozy, bright, and endlessly craveable.
