Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Highlighted under: Fresh Wellness Recipes

I absolutely love this Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo! The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy orzo pasta makes for a comforting and delicious dish. I've made it several times, tweaking the ingredients each time to find the perfect balance of flavors. With fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice, this dish brightens up any weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which means less clean-up and more time to enjoy this delightful meal with family or friends.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-02-15T02:53:35.869Z

Every time I make Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo, I feel like I’m bringing a little sunshine to the dinner table. The brightness of the lemon is the star of the dish, cutting through the richness of the cream to create an incredible flavor balance. I found that adding a touch of garlic really enhances the overall taste and compliments the lemon beautifully.

One of my favorite tips is to let the orzo absorb the chicken broth before adding the cream. This method ensures that each grain is infused with flavor, and the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy. Trust me—you'll want to make this dish again and again!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and zesty flavors that awaken your taste buds
Creamy texture that coats the orzo perfectly
Quick and easy to prepare for any weeknight meal

Perfecting the Creamy Texture

The secret to achieving the perfect creamy texture in this Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo lies in the timing of adding the heavy cream. Once the orzo has absorbed most of the chicken broth and is nearly cooked through, stir in the cream. This helps prevent the cream from curdling while allowing the orzo to reach a tender, almost risotto-like quality. You'll know it's ready when the orzo is al dente and the mixture resembles a glossy, rich sauce.

If you find the dish too thick after stirring in the cream, don't hesitate to add a splash of extra chicken broth. This not only thins out the sauce but also enhances the chicken flavor that melds beautifully with the lemon. Conversely, if it appears too runny, continue to simmer gently until it thickens to your liking. The goal is a sauce that clings to each orzo piece without being overly soupy.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

Using fresh herbs like parsley brings not only color but also a burst of flavor to this dish. If you’re out of parsley, fresh dill or basil could work just as well, providing their unique flavor profiles. The lemon juice and zest are also critical; they help balance the richness of the cream while adding a vibrant punch. If you prefer a slightly different citrus profile, consider substituting lime for lemon, which can add a refreshing twist.

For those looking to lighten up the dish, you can replace heavy cream with a lighter option, such as half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that using a lighter cream may slightly alter the dish’s richness and flavor. Additionally, if you're working with a low-sodium diet, choose a low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Add Garlic and Orzo

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the orzo and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Make it Creamy

Once the orzo is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot, enjoying the creamy and zesty flavor.

Pro Tips

For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a handful of spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking. They wilt beautifully and provide a nice pop of color.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Cook the chicken and orzo, then mix them together with the cream just before serving to ensure freshness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary, to restore creaminess.

If you need to make this dish further in advance, consider cooking all elements separately. Store the cooked orzo, chicken, and creamy sauce in individual containers. When ready to serve, combine and heat everything together for a quick weeknight meal without compromising on flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo, consider pairing it with a simple side salad featuring mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. This adds a fresh element that complements the rich dish. Additionally, crusty bread for sopping up the creamy sauce can make the meal feel even more indulgent.

For a protein twist, consider adding sautéed spinach or asparagus into the dish at the same time you mix in the cream. This not only enhances the nutrition but also adds vibrant color and your favorite veggies into the mix. Feel free to make this dish your own with seasonal ingredients for a unique touch!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the orzo with another type of pasta?

Yes, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, but cooking times may vary.

→ Is this dish freezable?

While the dish can be frozen, the cream may separate upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

You can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of olive oil.

→ What can I serve as a side with this dish?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement the creamy orzo well.