Description

This creamy lemon chicken orzo recipe combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy orzo pasta for a satisfying, flavorful meal. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for any night!

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Ingredients

Chicken Breasts – First, we need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, juicy, and absorb all the delicious flavors from the creamy sauce. You can also swap for thighs if you prefer a bit more richness!
Orzo – Next, orzo pasta! This rice-shaped pasta soaks up the creamy lemon sauce perfectly and adds a lovely texture to the dish. It’s like the best of both worlds—pasta and rice combined!
Lemon – Then, the lemon! Fresh lemon juice and zest give the dish a bright, tangy kick that balances the creaminess. You’ll love how fresh and zesty it makes every bite.
Heavy Cream – In addition, heavy cream brings all the creaminess to the table. It makes the sauce velvety and rich, creating the perfect base for the chicken and orzo to come together.
Garlic – Also, don’t forget garlic! It’s an aromatic powerhouse, bringing depth and flavor to the sauce. A little sautéed garlic goes a long way in this creamy lemon chicken orzo recipe.
Chicken Broth – For an extra savory boost, chicken broth gives the sauce its rich, umami flavor. You can use low-sodium broth to keep it a bit lighter if you like.
Olive Oil & Butter – These two are the magic duo! Olive oil helps sear the chicken perfectly, while butter adds that indulgent richness to the sauce.

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken – Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and perfectly cooked.
Cook the Orzo – Next, cook your orzo according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes in boiling salted water. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside, making sure to reserve a little pasta water for the sauce later.
Make the Creamy Sauce – In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Then, pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Everything – Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked orzo to the sauce, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy goodness. Stir in the chicken and simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. This step creates that beautiful creamy sauce that makes the dish so comforting.
Serve and Enjoy – Lastly, garnish with fresh parsley and a bit of extra lemon zest for a fresh finish. Serve your creamy lemon chicken orzo immediately while it’s warm and creamy!

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Notes

Serving

Once you’ve got your creamy lemon chicken orzo recipe ready, it’s time to serve! This recipe serves 4 people, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Serve it – You can serve this dish on its own as a hearty, filling meal, or pair it with a light side like a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Optional Garnishes – Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or extra lemon zest to elevate the flavor! You could even throw in a few fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fragrant touch.
Fun Variation – For a fun twist, you can turn this into a creamy chicken orzo casserole! Just mix everything with some shredded cheese, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown.

Tips and Hacks

Want to take your creamy lemon chicken orzo recipe to the next level? Try these tips!

Season Your Chicken – Season the chicken with a bit of lemon zest and herbs before cooking to enhance the flavor. It’ll add a burst of freshness right from the start!
Use Fresh Lemon – Fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference in this dish! The zest especially packs a punch, adding so much flavor to the sauce.
Make It Lighter – For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt. You’ll still get that creamy texture with fewer calories.
Meal Prep Tip – This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch, then store it in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat and enjoy!

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Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 460
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g

Keywords: creamy lemon chicken orzo recipe, chicken orzo, creamy chicken recipe