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Lemon Chicken Orzo

Lemon Chicken Orzo

This lemon chicken orzo combines tender seasoned chicken with creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and bright lemon flavor in one pan. Ready in 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 528
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • olive oil for cooking
Orzo
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream plus more to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach packed
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon and Garnish
  • 1 medium lemon zested and juiced
  • lemon slices for garnish
  • chopped Italian parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
  2. In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to simmer. Cover and cook 12 minutes until orzo is tender.
  4. Once orzo is tender, stir in heavy cream, baby spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice to taste. Mix until creamy and spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  5. Arrange sliced chicken over creamy orzo. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add lemon juice gradually to taste. Orzo thickens as it sits—thin with broth or cream when reheating. Stores refrigerated up to 4 days.