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One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet

Close-up of creamy lemon chicken orzo topped with fresh parsley in a white bowl.
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Make this quick, creamy lemon chicken orzo skillet for a bright, comforting dinner ready in 30 minutes. This one-pan meal simplifies cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning.

Notes

  • For extra vegetables, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking until wilted.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice at the end.
  • This dish reheats well, though you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe/