Lemon Chicken Orzo

If you’re looking for a fresh, comforting dinner that feels a little special but is still easy enough for a busy weeknight, this Lemon Chicken Orzo is it. Tender seasoned chicken, creamy orzo, fresh spinach, and bright lemon all come together in one pan using simple pantry ingredients.

It’s a budget-friendly meal that tastes restaurant-worthy, without complicated steps, expensive ingredients, or a sink full of dishes.

Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cooking Method: One-Pan Skillet
• Budget-Friendly: Yes
• Kid-Approved: Yes
• Best For: Busy weeknights, meal prep, cozy dinners

Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin. Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and lower cost.
• Spices – Salt, Black Pepper and Italian Seasoning
• Olive Oil – Use your favorite oil. For added rich flavor, add 1 tablespoon of butter
• Onion – Chop onion and freeze. See How to Freeze Onion for all the tips
• Cloves Garlic – See How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Orzo Pasta – Orzo looks like rice but is actually pasta. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice (adjust liquid slightly).
• Chicken Broth – Adds rich flavor to the orzo as it cooks. Use bouillon cubes mixed with water.
• Fresh Spinach, chopped – Adds freshness and color. Frozen spinach can be used just thaw and squeezed dry.
• Heavy Cream – Creates that rich, creamy texture. Half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter option.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds in warm flavor
• Lemon – Brightens the entire dish and balances the creaminess. Always zest before juicing for maximum flavor.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo

Step 1 – Cover the chicken in plastic wrap or place in a storage bag. Pound the chicken to approximately ½ inch thick with a meat mallet. 

Step 2 – Remove from bag or plastic wrap and slice into strips. 

Step 3 – Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken directly to a large skillet. Season with salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4 – Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. 

Step 5 – Add the garlic  and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 6 – Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer or to low heat.

Step 7 – Cover with lid and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 8 – Stir in the spinach, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 9 – Cook for 1–2 more minutes, until heated through. Serve immediately and enjoy!  

Tips for Success

• Pound the Chicken Evenly – Pounding the chicken to about ½-inch thickness helps it cook quickly and evenly. This keeps it tender and prevents dry edges.
• Don’t Skip Toasting the Orzo – Let the orzo cook in the pan with the onions and garlic for 1–2 minutes before adding broth. This adds a subtle nutty flavor and keeps the texture from getting mushy.
• Stir Occasionally While Simmering – Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pan. Stir every few minutes to keep it creamy and prevent burning.
• Adjust Creaminess to Your Preference – If the orzo thickens too much (especially as it sits), stir in a splash of chicken broth, milk, or even a little extra lemon juice to loosen it back up.

Can I Make One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Ahead of Time?

Yes! This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

How to Keep Orzo from Getting Mushy

• Simmer gently, don’t boil aggressively
• Stir occasionally
• Remove from heat once tender
• Avoid overcooking

What to Serve with Lemon Chicken Orzo?

• Homemade Garlic Bread
• Green Salad
• Oven Roasted Asparagus
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Sautéed Green Beans

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheating – Because orzo absorbs liquid as it sits, add 1–2 tablespoons of chicken broth or milk before reheating. Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Freezer – The cream sauce may slightly change texture when frozen. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.