Go Back
–+ servings
A white plate filled with the Best Orzo Dinner Recipe, topped with seared chicken, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Quick Lemon Orzo with Chicken

This recipe provides a fast and simple orzo dinner suitable for busy weeknights. It features tender chicken and bright lemon flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo and Chicken
  • 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta
  • 3 cups Chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
For Finishing
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pot

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the orzo. Toast the orzo for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir the cooked chicken back into the orzo. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  6. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese until combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

If you prefer a creamier texture, add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream along with the lemon juice at the end.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!