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One-Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken and Orzo

one-pan creamy lemon chicken and orzo - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken thighs, creamy lemon sauce, and tender orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: 2 cups baby spinach, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet. Add chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium and sauté minced garlic in the same pan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in orzo and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Nestle chicken thighs back into the pan on top of the orzo. Cover and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes until orzo is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Remove lid and stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the orzo. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Sprinkle chopped parsley and, if using, stir in baby spinach until wilted. Serve immediately with a lemon wedge.

Notes

Do not skip searing the chicken for best flavor. Stir orzo occasionally to prevent sticking and add extra broth if it dries out. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness. For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or add white wine after garlic. Chicken breasts can be used but watch cooking time to avoid drying out. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; add broth when reheating to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, creamy, lemon chicken, orzo, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, chicken thighs, comfort food

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/one-pan-creamy-lemon-chicken-and-orzo-recipe-for-easy-weeknights/