One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo: Bright and Delicious

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s easy to make and comes together in one pan, this Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe is perfect! Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces cooked with orzo pasta in a delicious lemon sauce—every bite is filled with bright citrus and savory goodness. This one-pan wonder is a time-saver for busy weeknights, and it’s packed with healthy ingredients like spinach and lean chicken breast. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, which is always a win! Whether you’re cooking for your family or a small dinner party, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.

One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo

Recipe by Chef BellaCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

258

kcal

Ingredients

• Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed

• 2 teaspoons dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• For Sautéing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 shallots, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Orzo and Sauce

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• Finishing Touch

• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped

• Shredded parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions

• Preparing the Chicken
• Cut the chicken breasts into 1 ½-2 inch cubes. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Sautéing the Chicken and Orzo
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced shallots and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Cooking the Orzo
• Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to toast the pasta until it’s light golden brown.
• Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally to avoid the orzo sticking.
• Finishing the Dish
• Once the orzo is tender, return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the chopped spinach.
• Continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the chicken is fully cooked.
• Garnish with shredded parmesan and lemon slices. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
• You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different twist.
• For an even creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is a complete, well-balanced meal that combines juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked orzo in a zesty lemon sauce. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, making dinner easy and cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a quick and healthy meal for yourself, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. The bright lemon zest brings everything together for a fresh finish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!