Sometimes the best dinners are the ones that come together in a single pan, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of garlic and lemon. This one skillet creamy lemon chicken orzo hits that spot perfectly — creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of indulgent without being fussy.

The other night, I was juggling a few things — a half-finished email and a distracted toddler — when I decided to try this recipe. I wasn’t sure if I’d have the patience to cook something from scratch, but the skillet did most of the work for me. The sizzle of chicken browning mixed with the faint zest of lemon was like a little reward for the chaos. I remember stirring the orzo and thinking, “Okay, this might actually be dinner tonight.” And it was, a warm, creamy plate that made the whole evening feel a bit more put-together, even if my kitchen wasn’t.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax (or chase toddlers, I guess).
The creamy lemon sauce is bright but not overpowering, striking a nice balance that’s easy on the palate.
Although it feels like a fancy dinner, it’s surprisingly quick and straightforward to prepare.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. You don’t have to fuss over complicated steps or ingredients.

Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in the kitchen. This recipe is forgiving and adapts well to slight improvisations, so it’s perfect for those nights when you just want something comforting and straightforward.

One Skillet Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

Print Recipe

A quick and delicious one skillet meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with orzo pasta in a creamy lemon sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and butter until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo and sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Kitchen Notes: I usually cook this in a sturdy skillet that holds heat well, which helps the orzo cook evenly and the sauce to come together nicely. It’s lovely served with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables to add a fresh crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping fresh herbs like basil for parsley or adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can give it a little twist. I haven’t tested all variations, but sometimes swapping chicken for shrimp works well, too, if you’re in the mood for seafood.

FAQ:

Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo? You can, but cooking times and liquid amounts might change, so keep an eye on it.

Is the sauce very lemony? It’s bright and fresh but balanced with cream and Parmesan — nothing too sharp.

Can I make this ahead? Definitely. Leftovers reheat well, just add a splash of broth if it seems thick.

Give this cozy skillet dinner a try tonight — it’s an easy way to bring a bit of comforting brightness to your week.