This Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe is a quick, creamy, and favorable weeknight dinner. It is made in 30 minutes and contains tender chunks of chicken and orzo pasta that are added into Lemon’s creamy sauce.
An easy-to-make cozy meal!
Why you’ll Adore It?
My chicken dish recipe is much easier to make and similar to risotto and is loaded with a citrusy taste, added with lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, etc.
There is no need to lowly Blend the Ingredients, and the result is creamy and tender chicken Lemon Cream Sauce!
Creamy Lemon chicken Orzo recipe is for a weekly menu with fresh flavor that still brings comfort food feelings.
If you are looking for a vibrant flavor weeknight dish then this is a recipe you are looking for.To make it even better, this guide helps make it in no time at all by using just ONE pan.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Key-Ingredients
- Chicken- Bones less skinless chicken breasts
- Orzo- Uncooked You can find it in the dry pasta aisle
- Olive oil – with butter
- Garlic pasta- It’s easy to mince with a garlic press so your finger remains clean
- Garlic powder- I like to use sweet (Vidalia one)
- Lemon Pepper- Fresh lemon juice vibrates this dish and adds a touch of audacity, use lemon pepper seasoning.
- Chicken broth- use this for moisture and deeper savory flavor.
- Italian seasoning- this single jar herb is blended for versatile fragment.
- Spinach- I’m using fresh baby spinach.
- Heavy cream- I like to use sweet cream for a premium touch.
Although this key ingredient list is a bit longer, most are for a luxurious touch. So, this makes a comfortable and delicious recipe that is great for busy families.
Note: I always advise using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled because it will give the best citrusy flavor and premium touch.
What can be used instead?
Rice. I have not tried adding rice, but most people ask me this question, I always said that Orzo pasta looks like rice,
So I stick to using this also cook time is less, as rice takes longer to cook than pasta.
Why Orzo?
Orzo is a type of pasta, that looks like rice, however, it is not rice, it’s made of flour.
How to make lemon chicken orzo?
Step 1: First take the boneless chicken into a medium mixing bowl (cut those in cube shape).
Step 2: Add garlic powder, olive oil, Italian seasoning, lemon, pepper, and salt to the bowl, gently mix these all.
Step 3: Cooked this on medium heat until it’s brown and completely cooked, then take it out to a plate.
Step 4: For Orzo, add olive oil to the skillet along with garlic pasta, and spinach. Don’t cook for more than 2 minutes, also add lemon juice and salt according to taste.
Step 5: Cover the orzo by adding enough chicken broth and uncooked orzo, keep stirring frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Add cheese with salt and pepper according to taste.
Step 7: Once the liquid is absorbed add with already cooked chicken, enjoy!
Recipe
Lemon Chicken Orzo (Weeknight Dinners)
Equipment
- 1 Medium Bowl
- Non Stick Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Butter salted/unsalted
- 1/4 tbsp Salt
- 1 Cup Orzo pasta Uncooked
- 1 1/2 Pounds Boneless Chiken breast Skinless
- 1/2 Medium Onion
- 2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 Cups Baby spinach Fresh
Instructions
- Cut the 1 ½ pounds of Boneless chicken into cubes and add them into a medium bowl.
- – Put 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of salt into the bowl with the chicken. Mix everything until the chicken is nicely coated.
- Add chicken to a non-stick skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes at medium heat, transfer to a plate and now start preparing orzo.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons garlic paste and 2 ½ ounces spinach (fresh baby) to the pan and cook for 1 minute, keep stirring.
- Add 1 ounce of Lemon juice and salt according to taste.
- Now add 12 ounces uncooked orzo and 2-3 cups chicken broth and cook at medium heat, keep stirring otherwise orzo may stick to the pan, keep cooking for about 10-15 until all water is absorbed into the orzo.
- Once the orzo is prepared add cheese and stir to combine, you can season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Now serve and enjoy.
Notes
How to store?
Want to store leftovers? Yes, you can store it in the fridge for a couple of days in an airtight container, but remember orzo will soak up the gravy over time.
During re-heating, you can add a splash of cream if necessary. I do not recommend freezing the leftovers.
How to serve Lemon Chicken Orzo?
This lemon chicken orzo has to fill on its own, you can also serve this with bread, or fresh salad!
We recommend serving this only, although you can roast up some extra veggies.
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