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Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This creamy lemon chicken orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, creamy double cream, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon. Cooked in a single frying pan, the dish balances richness with bright citrus notes, making it a perfect quick dinner option for busy weeknights that serves four people in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 650 g Chicken breast (Skinless and boneless, chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 Garlic cloves (Peeled and crushed)
  • 1 tsp Oregano

Orzo and Liquids

  • 250 g Orzo
  • 650 ml Hot chicken stock (made from a bouillon cube)
  • 150 ml Double cream (heavy cream or thickened cream)

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 120 g Spinach
  • 1 Lemon (Zest and juice)
  • 100 g Parmesan (Grated)

Additional

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the chopped chicken pieces carefully. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides begin to turn golden brown.
  2. Sauté garlic and oregano: Reduce the heat slightly and add the crushed garlic and oregano to the pan. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the garlic softens and becomes fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Add orzo and liquids: Stir in the orzo, hot chicken stock, lemon zest, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a thorough stir, then cover the pan with a lid.
  4. Simmer the orzo and chicken: Allow the mixture to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. If the pan dries out before cooking is complete, add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
  5. Add cream, spinach, and lemon juice: Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the double cream, fresh spinach, and lemon juice, mixing thoroughly. Continue stirring for 1-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the cream is heated through.
  6. Finish with parmesan: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines well with the creamy orzo and chicken.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
  • If spinach is unavailable, baby kale or Swiss chard can be substituted.
  • Adding a splash of water during cooking prevents the orzo from sticking or drying out.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, especially considering the salt content in the chicken stock cube.
  • This dish can be served with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/creamy-lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe/