Description
A delightful one-pan dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, enhanced with lemon zest and juice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until it is golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the onion and orzo: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and orzo, cooking together for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and cook: Return the chicken to the pan. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Finish the dish: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
This dish can be served individually or family-style. Pair it with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo, one-pan dinner, easy chicken recipes, lemon chicken, orzo recipes