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Weeknight • Chicken

Speedy Lemon Dill Chicken and Orzo Skillet

This vibrant one-pan dish brings together tender chicken, bright lemon, fresh dill, and comforting orzo for a quick, flavorful meal.

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

Craving something fresh and satisfying but short on time? This skillet recipe is your new weeknight hero! It’s packed with sunny flavors and comes together with minimal fuss, making it perfect for dinner any night of the week. Get ready for a delicious, bright, and hearty meal that feels much more involved than it actually is.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

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

  2. Step 2

    Add onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, and the cooked chicken. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  4. Step 4

    Remove from heat. Stir in fresh dill and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

  5. Step 5

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh dill and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips

  • For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas in step 3.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an extra few minutes at the end of cooking.

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