
Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken cubes with salt and black pepper
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside
- Add remaining olive oil to the same skillet
- Sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened
- Add red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes
- Stir in orzo and cook for 1 minute until lightly toasted
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender
- Return chicken to the skillet along with peas
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and parsley
- Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper
- Serve immediately while hot
Special Notes
This one-pot lemon chicken orzo is perfect for busy weeknights. The bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and creamy orzo. The dish comes together quickly and requires minimal cleanup. For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.