Description
This One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo is the kind of weeknight comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl. Juicy chicken, garlicky orzo, creamy lemon sauce—it’s bright, cozy, and ready in just 30 minutes. Best part? Only one pan to clean. This one’s bound to become a regular at your table.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
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In the same pan, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, coating it in the garlicky butter.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in the cream, lemon juice and zest, oregano, and Parmesan. Mix well until creamy.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pot and toss to combine. Simmer another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
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Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version.
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Add baby spinach or frozen peas for a veggie boost.
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This dish doesn’t freeze well, but it stores great in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Stir during cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Inspired, Mediterranean-Style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg