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Finished creamy lemon orzo with chicken served in a bowl, topped with lemon zest and fresh parsley.

Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken – Fresh 25-Minute Dinner

5 from 1 vote
This Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken is the perfect mix of cozy, creamy, and bright. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan recipe combines tender chicken, silky orzo, fresh lemon zest, and parmesan for a comforting yet refreshing dinner.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken:
  • 300 g chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Orzo:
  • 150 g orzo
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 350 ml chicken broth
  • 100 ml heavy cream
  • 40 g grated parmesan
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large non-stick pan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Zester (microplane)
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Season the Chicken: Season diced chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
    Diced chicken seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl for creamy lemon orzo with chicken.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
    Golden pan-seared chicken bites cooking in a skillet as the base for creamy lemon orzo with chicken.
  3. Add Orzo & Garlic: Stir in garlic and dry orzo; toast for 1 minute.
    Sautéed chicken, uncooked orzo, and fresh garlic in a skillet before simmering for creamy lemon orzo with chicken.
  4. Add Broth: Pour in chicken broth, reduce heat, and let orzo simmer until slightly softened.
    Chicken broth being poured over orzo and chicken in a skillet while preparing creamy lemon orzo with chicken.
  5. Make It Creamy: Add heavy cream, parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter. Stir until creamy.
    Creamy sauce with orzo, lemon zest, parsley, and chicken simmering together for creamy lemon orzo with chicken.
  6. Serve: Finish with extra lemon zest and fresh parsley.
    Finished creamy lemon orzo with chicken served in a bowl, topped with lemon zest and fresh parsley.

Notes

Adjust the lemon juice depending on how bright you want the dish; orzo thickens as it cools, so add a splash of broth if needed.