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Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo with Fresh Herbs

A close-up of creamy lemon chicken orzo topped generously with fresh chopped parsley and dill.
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A straightforward recipe for a creamy orzo pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bright lemon flavor, and a mix of fresh herbs.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is mostly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Heat through for 2 minutes.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and dill. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick while resting, add a splash of milk or extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • You can substitute the fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning if fresh herbs are unavailable, but add them earlier with the broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/creamy-lemon-chicken-orzo-with-fresh-herbs/