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Weeknight • Chicken

Speedy Lemon Chicken Orzo

This vibrant lemon chicken orzo comes together in one pot for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Speedy Lemon Chicken Orzo

Forget multiple pans and a sink full of dishes! This Speedy Lemon Chicken Orzo is your new weeknight hero. Tender chicken and al dente orzo swim in a bright, zesty sauce, making for a meal that's both comforting and incredibly fresh. It's so easy, you'll feel like a kitchen wizard!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo and return chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Step 5

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips

  • For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • If you don't have fresh parsley, dried dill or chives would also be delicious.

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