Bright Lemon Chicken Orzo

Name: Bright Lemon Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small cubes; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

This creamy one pot meal combines tender chicken and zesty lemon for a dinner the whole family will love.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· July 19, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

10 minutes

Cook

20 minutes

Total

30 minutes

Serves

There is nothing quite like a one pot meal to make busy weeknights feel manageable. This lemon chicken orzo is a favorite in my kitchen because it is so comforting, but the lemon keeps everything tasting light and fresh.

I find that using fresh lemon zest makes a huge difference in this dish. Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks so the bottom of your pot stays clean and nothing sticks.

🧺 Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cut into small cubes
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until it smells fragrant.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and the uncooked orzo, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6
Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese.
7
Cook for two more minutes until the sauce is creamy and warm.
8
Serve immediately with a little fresh parsley on top.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the pasta absorbs too much sauce while in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth when reheating it on the stove.

#chicken #orzo #pasta #one pot dinner #easy meals

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