This one-pan meal comes together so quickly! If you’re looking for more easy recipes with less mess, try these One-Pan Fajita Chicken and Veggies, One-Pan Southwest Blackened Cajun Chicken with Rice or this Chili Lime Chicken and Rice.
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Lemon chicken orzo is one of those dinners that you’ll want to make on repeat. To begin with, it’s really easy to make; it is all made in one pan. Additionally, it has the best textures and flavors. You will love the vibrant yet savory lemon flavor as well as the creaminess of the orzo (without any heavy cream!) combined with juicy pieces of chicken. As a result, this dish is a favorite with my family. Overall, it’s total comfort food without being overly heavy!
Easy to Prep: This is ready to be cooked in less than 10 minutes with very little chopping, perfect for busy days! Comforting Flavors: Tender chicken with creamy orzo pasta with an incredible lemon flavor makes for a deliciously satisfying meal. Minimal Cleanup: One-pan cooking means less mess and fewer dishes to wash.
Ingredients in This One-Pan Dish
This lemon chicken orzo recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a bright and savory masterpiece. From well-seasoned chicken pieces to hearty orzo and a sauce that bursts with citrusy goodness, each component makes this one-pan meal taste absolutely incredible. The exact measurements are in the recipe card.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into pieces, these provide the main protein for the dish. Seasoning: The chicken is coated in basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper for a delicious flavor. Olive Oil: For searing the chicken. Butter: To sauté the shallots and garlic and toast the orzo. Shallots: Milder and sweeter than regular yellow or white onions, minced shallots work great in this recipe so as not to overwhelm the other flavors. Garlic: For extra savory flavor. Orzo Pasta: The base of this chicken dinner is orzo. You can find this short-cut pasta in the pasta aisle of your local grocery store. Chicken Broth: Helps cook the orzo and gives it a more robust flavor. Lemon: Lemon juice and lemon zest add the perfect amount of acidity, brightness, and fresh flavor! Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds color and nutrients. Shredded Parmesan Cheese: To garnish the finished recipe and add salty cheesiness.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal hands-on time and allows you to cook everything conveniently in one pan. As it all simmers together, the flavors meld into a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth dish that everyone will love.
Cut Consistently: When cutting the chicken into small pieces, aim for uniform sizes. This way, they’ll cook at the same rate. Adding Liquid: The liquid amount might seem like a lot, but the pasta will soak it all up. If the liquid is completely absorbed and it still needs more moisture, add more chicken broth, a few tablespoons at a time. Sautéing Garlic and Orzo: When sautéing the onion and garlic, be sure to stir continually to keep the garlic from burning. The same goes for the orzo. You want it lightly toasted, but don’t let it burn.
In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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