Skillet Lemon Chicken With Orzo

Name: Skillet Lemon Chicken With Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 4 cups chicken broth; 3 cloves garlic (minced); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely love making this Skillet Lemon Chicken With Orzo when I want a dish that's both comforting and refreshing. The bright flavors of lemon combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo create a delicious harmony on the plate. This one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when I have guests over. With a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a dish that never fails to impress everyone at the table.

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2026-02-08T02:25:37.072Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly everything came together. I marinated the chicken in lemon juice for just 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate without making it tough. The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity of cooking everything in one skillet, which saves me time on cleanup.

One detail that really made my dish shine was finishing it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a zest of lemon right before serving. This added a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor that made a good dish great. I encourage you to experiment with herbs based on your preference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Zesty lemon flavor that brightens up your meal
One-pan cooking makes for easy cleanup
Juicy chicken pairs perfectly with creamy orzo

Cooking Technique Tips

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy, avoid overcooking; they should register an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer can help you achieve this without guesswork. Additionally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the skillet before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices for a more flavorful bite.

When cooking the garlic, pay attention to the aroma—it should be fragrant and not browned. Cooking garlic too long can lead to a bitter flavor. Once you add the orzo to the skillet, stir regularly to prevent it from sticking. A flat wooden spoon or a silicone spatula will work best to keep the orzo moving.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of chicken broth can greatly influence the overall flavor of the dish. A low-sodium broth allows you to control the seasoning better while preventing the dish from becoming overly salty. If you're looking for a substitute, vegetable broth works well too and can add a different dimension of flavor when paired with lemon.

Orzo is a great pasta choice in this recipe because its small size allows it to easily absorb the flavors from the broth and lemon juice. If you want a gluten-free option, you can swap orzo for quinoa or a gluten-free pasta; just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started.

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
4 cups chicken broth
3 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Having all ingredients prepped will streamline your cooking process.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Skillet Lemon Chicken With Orzo.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Add Orzo

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the orzo and stir, allowing it to soak up the flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and the juice of the lemon.

Simmer and Combine

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle lemon zest over the top, and let it heat through for a couple of minutes.

Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Skillet Lemon Chicken With Orzo!

Enjoy your delightful meal!

Pro Tips

To add an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Skillet Lemon Chicken With Orzo can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

For long-term storage, consider freezing the dish. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. However, note that fresh parsley should be added just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is quite versatile and pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad. A cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil can complement the zesty lemon flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a touch of feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean twist.

For a touch of elegance, serve with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs, such as thyme or dill. The bright citrus not only enhances presentation but also offers guests the option to customize their servings with an extra kick of lemon, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

→ What can I substitute for orzo?

You can use any small pasta shape, such as couscous or rice, though cooking times may vary.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the orzo and chicken separately and combine them later.

→ How can I make this dish lower in calories?

You could reduce the amount of olive oil and use less pasta, or replace it with a lower-calorie alternative.