A Light And Refreshing Dish With Tender Chicken, Zesty Lemon, And Delicate Orzo Pasta, Perfect For A Healthy Dinner Or Lunch!
This Lemon Chicken Orzo is one of those dishes that’s both light and flavorful, with a perfect balance of tangy lemon, tender chicken, and the heartiness of orzo. I decided to make it because I wanted something that felt fresh but was still satisfying.
The combination of grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and a simple lemon sauce makes this dish feel both vibrant and comforting. My family loves it because it’s easy to prepare, healthy, and pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. Plus, the bright lemon flavor makes it the perfect dish for any season!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and orzo ahead of time and toss them together when ready to serve. The flavors meld beautifully, so it’s a great dish to make in advance.
Q: Can I substitute the orzo with another type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can use another small pasta like couscous, farro, or quinoa for a slightly different texture.
Q: How do I make this dish dairy-free?
A: To make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use a plant-based butter or olive oil to cook the chicken.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes! Adding veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted zucchini would be a great way to enhance the flavor and add more nutrition to this dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra lemon juice or olive oil to keep the dish moist.
What You Need to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Lemon Sauce:
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Prepare the chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. - Cook the orzo:
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set it aside. - Make the lemon sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside. - Combine the orzo and chicken:
In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add the cooked orzo and drizzle with a little olive oil. Toss to coat, and then pour the lemon sauce over the orzo. Stir to combine and heat through. - Assemble the dish:
Add the sliced chicken on top of the orzo and toss everything together to combine. If you like, sprinkle with a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. - Serve:
Serve the Lemon Chicken Orzo warm, garnished with additional parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- For extra creaminess: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or Greek yogurt after adding the lemon sauce for a richer texture.
- For added flavor: Top with extra lemon zest or freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
- Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes to the lemon sauce for a subtle heat that complements the lemon’s freshness.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emily L. – “This dish is so light and refreshing! The lemon flavor really stands out, and the chicken was perfectly juicy. My family devoured it.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie P. – “I love this recipe! It’s a great balance of flavors, and the orzo makes it so satisfying. I added some spinach for extra veggies, and it was delicious.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan R. – “The lemon sauce is incredible! I’ve made this recipe multiple times, and it’s always a hit with my family. So easy to make too!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica W. – “I used quinoa instead of orzo for a healthier version, and it turned out great. I’ll be making this again for sure.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lena S. – “This is my new favorite dinner! It’s so fresh and full of flavor, and the chicken was perfectly cooked. I can’t wait to make it again!”
Printable Recipe
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a fresh, light dish featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, and delicate orzo pasta. It’s a perfect healthy meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- For the Lemon Sauce:
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Cook the orzo:
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
Make the lemon sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Combine the orzo and chicken:
- In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add the cooked orzo and drizzle with a little olive oil. Toss to coat, and then pour the lemon sauce over the orzo. Stir to combine and heat through.
Assemble the dish:
- Add the sliced chicken on top of the orzo and toss everything together to combine. If you like, sprinkle with a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Serve:
- Serve the Lemon Chicken Orzo warm, garnished with additional parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Lemon Chicken Orzo, please share it with your friends and family! It’s the perfect light and healthy meal that’s still packed with flavor. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your dish turns out!
