One Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken and Orzo
A comforting one-skillet dish featuring tender chicken and creamy orzo cooked in a rich lemon butter sauce, perfectly balanced with fresh, bright flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and black pepper, then cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo and toast lightly for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it warm through.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide a juicier result than breasts.
- Add spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
- Use extra broth when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
