Lemon Chicken and Orzo

Servings: 4 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner
If you're looking for a dinner that's as quick and easy as it is delicious, then look no further than this One-Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo! This recipe combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and orzo pasta in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a flavor-packed meal that will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight rotation.

One of the best things about this easy one-pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, a single pot, and 45 minutes, you can whip up a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.

I make this one-pot dish often. It is one of my family’s favorite chicken dishes. I like to mix it up and use different veggies, typically what I have on hand. And it always turns out great. However, our favorite combination is with English peas. This dish is simple yet comforting—just the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love this Lemon Chicken and Orzo recipe

  • Minimal Cleanup: With only one pot involved, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
  • Quick & Easy: This meal comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
  • Customizable: Replace the english peas with other veggies like spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes!

Ingredients NEEDED

  • Chicken– For a quick and easy one pot meal I use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are another great option.
  • Oil– I prefer to use olive oil for browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic. Any neutral oil can be used.
  • Seasonings/Spices– This recipe uses a combination of garlic powder, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, dried oregano and dried basil.
  • Butter
  • Onion– A yellow or white onion can be used.
  • Garlic– Freshly minced garlic works best.
  • Orzo
  • Chicken Stock– A good quality chicken stock or broth.
  • Heavy Cream
  • Cheese– Freshly shredded or grated parmesan cheese.
  • Lemon
  • English Peas

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How To Make One Pot Chicken and Orzo

This is one my favorite quick and easy meals to prepare.

STEP 1

Season the chicken breasts on both sides. Place a large pan over medium high heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and brown the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

STEP 2

Lower the heat to medium, add in the butter and sauté the onion until tender then stir in the orzo. Cook for 4 minutes or until the orzo is lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

STEP 3

Add the chicken stock, lemon juice and remaining salt to the pan, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Now stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

STEP 4

Adjust the heat to medium-low, return the chicken to the pan, cover, and continue cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Garnish with lemon zest. Enjoy!

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Lemon Chicken and Orzo

One Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. It's ready in just 45 minutes and easily customizable.

Lemon Chicken and Orzo
Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Combine the garlic powder, dried oregano, thyme, basil, paprika, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry and season each piece on both sides.

  2. Place a large pan over medium high heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and brown the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

  3. Lower the heat to medium, add in the butter and sauté the onion until tender then stir in the orzo. Cook for 4 minutes or until the orzo is lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  4. Add the chicken stock, lemon juice and remaining salt to the pan, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Now stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

  5. Adjust the heat to medium-low, return the chicken to the pan, cover, and continue cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Garnish with lemon zest. Enjoy!

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Sky

Sky Pilgreen

A Food and Homesteading Blogger

Hi, I'm Sky! Welcome to Simply Scratch Made, where my love for all things food comes to life. This blog is dedicated to sharing homemade recipes and providing tips on homesteading for all.

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