This Lemon Chicken Orzo is a bright, comforting, and flavorful one-pot dish that brings together tender chicken, silky orzo pasta, and a burst of fresh lemon. It’s perfect for readers who love easy weeknight meals with a homemade, cozy feel. The orzo cooks directly in the broth, creating a rich and savory base balanced with vibrant citrus and herbs. Whether you're preparing dinner for your family or planning meals for the week, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and filled with nourishing ingredients.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Tip: Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the brightest, freshest flavor.
Directions
- Season and Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Best Practice: Avoid overcrowding the pan—this keeps the chicken from steaming and helps it brown properly. - Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Warning: Garlic burns quickly—keep the heat at medium and stir continuously. - Toast the Orzo
Add dry orzo to the pan and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it. This enhances the overall flavor and helps the orzo keep a pleasant texture. - Add the Broth and Lemon
Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and zest. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Simmer with the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pan. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. - Finish and Serve
Stir in the spinach until wilted (if using) and add Parmesan for creaminess. Adjust seasoning and add more lemon for extra brightness.
Garnish with parsley before serving.
Optional Idea: Add cherry tomatoes, peas, or chopped zucchini to make this meal even more nutritious and colorful.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Conclusion
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe is the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing, bringing together rich flavors with a pop of citrus brightness. It's a comforting one-pot recipe ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding the whole family without spending hours in the kitchen. Try pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, wholesome meal your readers will love coming back to again and again.
