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One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

Close-up of creamy lemon chicken orzo pasta mixed with spinach, topped with fresh parsley and lemon zest.
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Make this bright, zesty, and comforting lemon chicken orzo in a single pot. This recipe delivers a satisfying, creamy weeknight dinner in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  7. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a creamy sauce.
  8. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For an extra bright flavor, use fresh lemon juice only; bottled juice changes the taste.
  • If you prefer crispier chicken, sear the pieces until fully cooked, remove them, and add them back in only during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • This recipe works well with chicken thighs instead of breasts; adjust cooking time slightly if using thicker cuts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe-easy-one-pot/