one pot lemon chicken orzo recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best one pot lemon chicken orzo recipe

I’ve been making this one pot lemon chicken orzo recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish originated from Greek cuisine, where orzo is a staple ingredient.

The combination of tender chicken, flavorful lemon, and hearty orzo is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. I love how easy it is to make, just throw all the ingredients into one pot and let the magic happen.

My kids adore it, and I love that it’s a great way to get them to eat some actual vegetables. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Plus, it’s ridiculously healthy, with plenty of protein from the chicken and complex carbs from the orzo. I’ve served it at countless family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always been a crowd-pleaser.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to customize to your tastes – add some extra garlic, swap out the lemon for lime, or use different herbs to give it your own twist.

I’ve even made it with gluten-free pasta for my gluten-free friends. It’s truly one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, easy, and delicious.

One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

4.8 from 866 votes

This one pot lemon chicken orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish. Tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy orzo come together in a single pot for easy cleanup.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz orzo pasta
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper.
3Cook until chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
5In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic.
6Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
7Add orzo pasta to the pot, stir to combine with onions and garlic.
8Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the orzo slightly.
9Pour in chicken broth, add lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, and bring to a boil.
10Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
11Stir in frozen peas and cooked chicken, ensuring everything is well combined.
12Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until peas are heated through and chicken is warmed.
13Remove pot from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
14Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
15Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
16Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: To make this dish even more flavorful, you can add a splash of white wine when you add the chicken broth. For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic.

Watch Video Of How One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Works

This one pot lemon chicken orzo recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just need something quick and easy for dinner.

It’s perfect for meal prep too – just cook up a big batch on Sunday night and you’ll have healthy meals all week long.

The leftovers are also great – reheat them in the microwave or oven with some extra lemon juice and you’ll be good to go!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

Q: What is the origin of this one pot lemon chicken orzo recipe?

This recipe has its roots in Greek cuisine, where orzo is a staple ingredient.

Q: Can I customize this recipe to my tastes?

Yes! This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can add extra garlic, swap out the lemon for lime, or use different herbs to give it your own twist.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! You can easily substitute gluten-free pasta for the traditional orzo.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare – just throw all the ingredients into one pot and let the magic happen!

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep – just cook it up and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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