This creamy lemon orzo chicken recipe is a weeknight winner! It's quick, easy, and delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that will impress your family and friends. This dish perfectly balances the richness of the creamy sauce with the bright acidity of lemon, creating a harmonious taste experience. The tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo complete this delightful meal. Let's dive into the details!
What is Orzo Pasta?
Orzo, often called "rice-shaped pasta," is a small, grain-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Its diminutive size makes it ideal for creamy sauces like the one featured in this recipe. Its versatility allows it to be a base for numerous dishes, from salads to soups, but it shines particularly well in this creamy lemon chicken preparation.
Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken Recipe: Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
How to Make Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken
- Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo and cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
Tips for the Best Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook until it's just cooked through and still juicy.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the brightest and most vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to your liking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes, to the dish.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a casual gathering. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat them gently before adding the cooked orzo. Avoid cooking the orzo ahead of time as it can become mushy.
What are some variations of this recipe?
This recipe provides a delicious base, but you can easily adapt it. You could add:
- Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adding sun-dried tomatoes in oil would add a salty, umami depth to the sauce.
- Spinach: Wilted spinach adds a nutritious boost and a pop of vibrant green.
This Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken is a simple yet satisfying recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
