🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

This bright and comforting one pot meal combines tender chicken with fluffy orzo in a zesty lemon sauce.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 16, 2026
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Total
30 minutes
Serves
4

There is something so satisfying about a dinner that cooks entirely in one pot. This lemon chicken orzo is a favorite in my house because it tastes fresh and light while still being hearty enough to fill everyone up after a long day.

My biggest tip for this recipe is to use fresh lemon juice rather than the bottled kind. The brightness it adds really makes the flavors pop and balances out the savory chicken perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

  3. 3

    In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in the dry orzo, then pour in the chicken broth.

  5. 5

    Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  6. 6

    Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.

  7. 7

    Add the cooked chicken and fresh baby spinach back into the pan. Stir until the spinach has wilted.

  8. 8

    Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid while stored, add a tiny splash of water or broth when reheating to bring the creamy texture back to life.

#dinner#chicken#one pot#pasta

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