Description
This Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken with Creamy Orzo is the ultimate cozy yet elegant dinner. Tender, pan-seared chicken coated in a velvety lemon Dijon sauce rests on a bed of creamy, Parmesan orzo — a bright, flavorful dish that tastes like pure comfort.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup uncooked orzo
2 cups chicken broth (for orzo)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream, then return chicken to the pan and coat it in the sauce.
5. In a separate saucepan, cook orzo in chicken broth until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess liquid and stir in Parmesan and parsley until creamy.
6. Serve chicken over the creamy orzo and spoon extra sauce on top.
7. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
Add spinach or asparagus to the orzo for extra greens.
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter version.
This sauce also pairs perfectly with salmon or shrimp!
For meal prep, store chicken and orzo separately and reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: lemon butter chicken, creamy orzo, Dijon chicken, lemon chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe