Print

Easy One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo

lemon herb chicken orzo - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken, bright lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup (170g) orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir the orzo into the pan with the onions and garlic, coating it in oil. Add fresh thyme and lemon zest, stirring to combine. Toast the orzo slightly for about 2 minutes.
  5. Carefully add the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir to mix everything evenly.
  6. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the orzo mixture.
  7. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, or until orzo is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  8. Remove lid, check seasoning, and taste the orzo. If too liquidy, increase heat to medium and cook uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
  9. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

If chicken cooks faster than orzo, remove chicken briefly to rest and let orzo finish cooking uncovered. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Avoid lifting lid during simmer to ensure creamy orzo texture. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free orzo or quinoa. Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot meal, lemon herb chicken, orzo pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, chicken recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/easy-one-pot-lemon-herb-chicken-orzo-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinners/