One-Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken, lemon, orzo, and peas combine for a creamy, vibrant spring meal—all in one pot.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 ounces), cut into 1-inch pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Grains & Pasta

07 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked

→ Dairy

08 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Liquids

10 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Oils & Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add unsalted butter and onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
04 - Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Return the sautéed chicken to the pot, add peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest or Parmesan as preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Cleanup is blissfully simple, just one pot to wash and you're done.
  • The combination of lemon and Parmesan delivers a burst of flavor that feels fancy but is totally effortless.
02 -
  • If you skip toasting the orzo, you’ll miss out on its signature creaminess—trust me, I learned the hard way.
  • Adding the peas late keeps them from turning mushy and preserves their sweet flavor.
03 -
  • Don’t cook the chicken fully at first—returning it to the pot lets it finish gently and stay juicy.
  • Always zest your lemon before you cut it, otherwise you’ll struggle to get all that aromatic skin.
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