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Weeknight • Chicken

Speedy Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet

This vibrant one-pan skillet combines tender chicken, bright lemon, and hearty orzo for a deliciously simple weeknight meal.

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

Craving a cozy, comforting meal that comes together in a flash? This Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet is your answer! It's bright, savory, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add orzo to the same skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream (if using), Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and baby spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

  4. Step 4

    Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips

  • For a lighter option, you can omit the heavy cream or use milk, but the sauce won't be as rich.
  • Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like frozen peas or chopped bell peppers along with the spinach.

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