Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a cozy one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, and bright lemon flavor. This easy meal comes together quickly for a comforting and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 1 can chicken broth (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces for easier melting.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the dry orzo and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to lightly toast the pasta.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Cook while stirring constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve warm with extra parmesan cheese or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Add fresh spinach, peas, broccoli, or asparagus for extra vegetables.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
- Use gluten-free orzo and dairy-free alternatives if needed.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the sauce texture may change slightly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
