If you’re looking for a comforting, bright, and easy-to-make dinner that’ll quickly become a favorite, you’ve got to try this Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe. It’s one of those perfect weeknight dishes that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of fuss. Tender chicken, zesty lemon, and tender little orzo pasta all come together in one pan—making cleanup a breeze, too. Trust me, once you make this a couple of times, it’ll be on repeat at your house!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pan Simplicity: This dish cooks everything together, saving time and reducing mess.
Bright, Balanced Flavors: Lemon juice adds a fresh zing that perfectly complements the savory chicken and creamy orzo.
Comforting Texture: The orzo cooks to tender perfection, soaking up all the delicious broth and butter.
Flexible and Customizable: Easy to add veggies or swap ingredients to suit your tastes or pantry staples.

Lemon Chicken and Orzo, Lemon Chicken and Orzo dinner, easy lemon chicken pasta, one-pan lemon chicken, quick lemon chicken recipes - The image shows a white pot filled with cooked orzo pasta mixed with small pieces of light brown chicken and fresh green basil leaves scattered throughout. Two bright yellow lemon slices rest on top as a garnish, and there are visible specks of black pepper sprinkled across the dish. A wooden spoon stirs the orzo on the right side, and a lemon wedge is blurred in the white marbled background. The texture of the orzo looks soft and slightly shiny, mixing well with the tender chicken pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe work together beautifully to create a dish that’s flavorful without being heavy. Picking good-quality chicken breast and fresh lemon juice really makes a difference, and the orzo is just the right pasta to absorb all those lovely flavors while keeping it light.

Lemon Chicken and Orzo, Lemon Chicken and Orzo dinner, easy lemon chicken pasta, one-pan lemon chicken, quick lemon chicken recipes - Flat lay of a small pile of cubed raw chicken breast, two tablespoons of golden olive oil in a glass bowl, a sprinkling of salt and garlic powder in small dishes, a few twists of black peppercorns, a clear bowl filled with chicken broth, a small glass container of bright yellow lemon juice, a mound of uncooked orzo pasta, a small heap of dried basil leaves, a half cup of grated Parmesan cheese spilling slightly from a bowl, and a quarter cup of salted butter on a wooden butter dish, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chicken breast: I prefer boneless, skinless for quick, even cooking—big cubes create hearty bites.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for that golden color you want.
Salt, garlic powder, black pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight the chicken’s flavor without overpowering.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo and chicken with savory depth.
Lemon juice: The star of the dish—fresh lemon juice brightens everything and gives a wonderful tang.
Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavorful liquids.
Dried basil: Adds earthy herbal notes—feel free to swap for fresh if you have it on hand.
Parmesan cheese: Adds creaminess and umami to finish the dish with a silky texture.
Salted butter: Enriches the final dish, making it buttery smooth and luxurious.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe is. Sometimes, I jazz it up with extra veggies or switch out the herbs, and it still taste amazing every time. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—it’s all about finding what you love and fitting the recipe to your schedule or taste buds.

Variation: Adding asparagus or broccoli turns it into a full meal—my family loves those green pops of color and crunch.
Herb swaps: Fresh thyme or oregano can replace basil for a slightly different flavor profile.
Protein change-up: Try it with turkey breast or even shrimp if you want a quick seafood twist.
Make it dairy-free: Swap out butter and Parmesan for olive oil and nutritional yeast—still delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Heat your olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil’s shimmering, toss in the chicken and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the chicken pieces are nicely browned. Browning adds flavor and texture, so don’t skip this step or rush it!

Step 2: Add the Broth, Lemon, Orzo, and Basil

Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, then add in the orzo and dried basil. Crank the heat up so it comes to a boil. It’s exciting to see the ingredients come together like this! Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cover with a lid.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo Just Right

Simmer the orzo until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 9 to 10 minutes depending on your brand. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom—trust me, it can happen if you forget. You want the orzo to be tender with a little bite, so keep an eye on it near the end.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Butter for Creamy Goodness

Once the orzo is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter. This makes the dish wonderfully rich and creamy without needing any heavy cream. I love how the cheese melts right into the pasta, giving it a lush finish you’ll want to savor.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush Browning: Taking the time to get a golden sear on the chicken adds tons of flavor to the whole dish.
Stir the Orzo Often: Orzo tends to stick when cooking, so stirring every few minutes prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
Fresh Lemon Really Shines: Using fresh lemon juice—not bottled—makes a noticeable difference in brightness.
Add Veggies at the Right Time: Toss in firmer veggies earlier and delicate ones after cooking; this keeps texture perfect without overcooking.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Lemon Chicken and Orzo, Lemon Chicken and Orzo dinner, easy lemon chicken pasta, one-pan lemon chicken, quick lemon chicken recipes - A white pot filled to the top with cooked yellowish rice mixed with small pieces of light-brown cooked chicken, scattered with thin green herb leaves and a sprinkle of grated cheese or seasoning on top, with two thin lemon slices resting near the edge of the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a piece of bread in the top left corner and a woman's hand in the lower left corner holding a utensil. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra fresh basil or parsley on top to add a fresh, herbal pop. A few extra twists of cracked black pepper and maybe a little lemon zest give the dish that extra ‘wow’ factor on the plate. If you love a bit of heat, red pepper flakes work well, too.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe is hearty enough on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad or simply roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or warm pita also complement it wonderfully when you want some carbs to mop up that buttery sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting friends, I love serving this dish in bright, individual bowls with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of microgreens on top. It looks fresh and elegant but feels relaxed—perfect for casual dinner parties or family meals alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they typically stay great for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight, making for a tasty lunch the next day. Just be sure to cool it before sealing to keep texture fresh.

Freezing

Freezing works okay for this dish, though I prefer fresh whenever possible. If freezing, skip adding the Parmesan and butter until reheating—they don’t always reheat well frozen. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a bit of chicken broth or water to keep the orzo from drying out. Stir often until warmed through, then finish with a bit of butter or cheese if you like to bring back that fresh-cooked creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo in the Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe?

Yes, although orzo works best because its small size absorbs the broth beautifully. If you don’t have orzo, you can try small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or Israeli couscous. Avoid large pasta shapes, as they won’t cook evenly with the rest of the dish.
Is it okay to substitute fresh herbs for dried in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have fresh basil or other herbs, use about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh for every 1 teaspoon dried basil. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking or as a garnish to keep their bright flavor intact.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap out orzo for a gluten-free small pasta or use a grain like quinoa. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as these alternatives may cook differently. Using gluten-free broth and seasonings will ensure the dish stays gluten-free.
Can I prepare this Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and chop any veggies in advance to save time on a busy day. The dish itself is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated well as described. Avoid cooking it completely ahead, as the orzo can become mushy when stored too long.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken and Orzo Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to, especially when I want something comforting but fresh-tasting. It’s so easy to throw together, even when life gets busy, and everyone loves its bright flavors. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own—it’s the kind of dish I reach for when I want a home-cooked meal that feels both special and cozy.