Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo 🍋🍗

This delightful creamy lemon chicken orzo recipe is a perfect blend of zesty flavors and comforting textures. It's an excellent dish for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The bright lemony sauce paired with tender chicken and orzo makes it irresistibly flavorful. You can serve it as a main course with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal!

Ingredients

For the chicken and orzo

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the lemon sauce

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

🍽️ Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. This helps achieve that lovely golden color!

• In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

• While the orzo cooks, prepare the creamy lemon sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, thyme, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until fully combined.

• Once the orzo is done, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the creamy lemon sauce over the chicken and orzo, stirring until everything is well-coated and heated through.

🍋 Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste. If you love citrus, add an extra splash!

• Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some spinach, asparagus, or peas for extra nutrients and texture. Just add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking orzo.
• Protein Swap: This dish works well with shrimp or diced tofu instead of chicken for a seafood or vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or dill instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.

🥗 Pair with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine for a perfect evening meal! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️✨