One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

This One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo is a simple, wholesome dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy orzo, and bright lemon flavors—all made conveniently in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it’s made entirely in one pot, which means minimal cleanup. Second, the orzo absorbs the flavors of the chicken, lemon, and garlic beautifully, creating a creamy and flavorful dish. Lastly, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round and can be easily customized with your choice of vegetables or herbs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Olive oil

• Yellow onion, finely chopped

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Orzo pasta

• Chicken broth

• Fresh lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Baby spinach or peas (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté onion until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in the orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes to toast slightly.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and cover. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Add Parmesan cheese and spinach or peas (if using), and stir until wilted and creamy.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.

• Replace spinach with kale or arugula for a more robust green.

• Swap Parmesan for feta for a tangy twist.

• For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for extra flavor and texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I keep the orzo from sticking?

Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot. Adding a splash of broth if it gets too dry will help.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Is it possible to use rice instead of orzo?

You can substitute with rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid quantity and cooking time accordingly.

What other vegetables can I add?

Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes all work well in this dish.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Boneless is recommended for quicker cooking, but you can use bone-in pieces—just adjust the cook time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the orzo.

Does this recipe freeze well?

Orzo tends to become mushy when frozen, so freezing is not ideal. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the texture.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube can be used as a substitute.

How can I make this recipe more lemony?

Increase the lemon zest and juice to your taste, or add a bit of preserved lemon for a stronger citrus flavor.

Can I cook this in a Dutch oven?

Absolutely. A Dutch oven works perfectly for one-pot meals like this, offering even heat distribution.

Conclusion

One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delicious, comforting, and efficient meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. With its bright lemon flavor, tender chicken, and creamy orzo, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the suggested variations, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation

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