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One Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe

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3.9 from 142 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: High-Protein

Description

A bright and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts, zesty lemon, and creamy orzo pasta. This easy-to-make dish combines fresh flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Broth

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Flavorings and Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
  2. Cook chicken: Add the sliced chicken breasts to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn.
  4. Toast orzo: Add 1 cup of orzo to the pan and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the pasta in oil and garlic flavor.
  5. Add broth and simmer: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Cook chicken and orzo together: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Continue cooking until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth, about 10–15 minutes.
  7. Stir in lemon and seasonings: Add the juice and zest of one lemon, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Add fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
  • Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to reduce prep and cook time.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your personal preference for more or less brightness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/one-pot-lemon-chicken-and-orzo-recipe/