Lemon Chicken Orzo
This Lemon Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan dinner loaded with tender seasoned chicken, Parmesan, fresh spinach and bright lemon flavor.
Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight meal that feels rich and satisfying while the fresh lemon keeps every bite light and flavorful.
Why This Recipe is a Winner!
- Ready in just 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Made in one skillet – Less cleanup makes this creamy chicken dinner even more appealing.
- Sneaks in some greens – Baby spinach wilts right into the creamy orzo.
- Family-friendly – The familiar chicken, pasta and Parmesan combination is great for both kids and adults.
- A complete meal in one pan – You’ve got chicken, pasta and veggies all together, so there’s no need to prepare multiple side dishes.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Yield:
Serves 4 - 5
Ingredients You'll Need
- 4-5 thin boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup Orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- Juice of 1 lemon + zest
- Extra lemon slices for garnish, if desired
- Parsley for garnish, if desired
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don't miss out on any important tips and tricks!
Step By Step Instructions
STEP 1:
I heated some olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
I seasoned thin chicken breasts with garlic powder, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
I added the chicken breasts to the heated skillet and cooked them for 3-5 minutes per side.
I removed the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
STEP 2:
I added some butter to the skillet.
Once the butter was melted I added diced onions and cooked them until they were translucent.
I also added garlic and Italian seasoning.
STEP 3:
I added some orzo to the skillet and cooked it for a couple minutes to toast the pasta.
STEP 4:
I added chicken broth and brought it to a boil.
I reduced the heat and simmered the dish until the orzo was tender.
STEP 5:
I added heavy cream, baby spinach, lemon juice and parmesan.
Once the spinach was wilted I sliced the chicken and added it back to the pan to warm up.
Every bite of this Lemon Chicken Orzo is rich and creamy, with tender chicken, cheesy orzo and a bright pop of fresh lemon that keeps you coming back for more.
The combination of garlic, Parmesan and wilted spinach makes this cozy skillet dinner incredibly satisfying without feeling too heavy.
If you are looking for a hearty, flavour packed chicken dinner recipe, then you need to try this Lemon Chicken Orzo!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe.
Can I make Lemon Chicken Orzo without heavy cream?
- Yes. You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, although the finished orzo may be slightly less rich and creamy.
Do I need to cook the orzo before adding it to the skillet?
- No. The dry orzo cooks directly in the chicken broth, allowing it to absorb plenty of flavor as it becomes tender.
Lemon Chicken Orzo
This Lemon Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan dinner loaded with tender seasoned chicken, Parmesan, fresh spinach and bright lemon flavor.
Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight meal that feels rich and satisfying while the fresh lemon keeps every bite light and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4-5 thin boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup Orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- Juice of 1 lemon + zest
- Extra lemon slices for garnish, if desired
- Parsley for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
- Once the oil is heated, cook the chicken breast, 3-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- To the skillet, add the butter. Melt the butter, gently scraping the pan as you go to get all of that flavor from the pan.
- Add the onion, and cook until translucent.
- Add the garlic, and another tsp. of Italian seasoning, and cook 1-2 minutes.
- Add the orzo and cook 1-2 minutes to toast the pasta.
- Add the chicken broth, and bring the pan to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
- Add the baby spinach and heavy cream. Cook a few minutes more, until spinach is wilted.
- Remove from the heat and add the juice and zest of 1 lemon, plus sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Slice the chicken and add back to the pan, and sprinkle parsley over top, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 429Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 886mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 18g
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Hi! My name is Erin and I have been here since 2016 sharing simple family friendly recipes that can be prepared by any home cook. Get ready to whip up delicious meals in no time!
