Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and orzo pasta, brightened with vibrant lemon and thyme flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 zest of lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Sprinkle chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then add onion and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and orzo, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until orzo is lightly toasted.
Cooking
- Pour in chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Add heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken pieces to the pan. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and sauce thickens, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for a few hours before cooking. Use homemade chicken broth if possible for a richer taste. If you enjoy a bit of spice, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables.