With fresh, bright lemon and herbs, this one-pot meal is our favorite way to successfully pull off a home-cooked meal during the busy workweek. This easy recipe covers all of your bases—ready in just 45 minutes and super flavorful while still being a lighter option that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Love Orzo past as much as we do? Try our easy and delicious One Pot Italian Chicken Orzo.
Why Our Recipe
- A one-pot meal that’s quick and easy to get on the table in about 45 minutes.
- Fresh lemon and herbs lighten up this easy chicken dish.
- Orzo is an easy and filling alternative to your standard pasta dish.
Orzo pasta elevates this simple dish and pairs well with the lemon chicken, keeping things interesting so you don’t have to fall back on boring, boiled pasta.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breasts: You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces and trim off any fat.
- Olive Oil: Substitute with any neutral cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.
- Chicken Broth: Using a low-sodium option allows you to best control the flavor. It’s a great chef tip.
- Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice works well and keeps prep to a minimum, but freshly squeezed always has the best flavor.
- Orzo: This short-cut pasta resembles rice and is found in the pasta aisle in a box or plastic container. Check the cooking time on your package for the best results.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded or grated Parmesan always melts the best.
Chicken Options
Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Since rotisserie chickens are usually a loss leader for grocery stores, it’s a money-saver too! Simply shred about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of pre-cooked chicken and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Leftover Chicken: Got leftover chicken from a previous meal? Whether it’s grilled, baked, or roasted, you can easily shred it and add it to your soup. This is a great way to minimize waste and give new life to leftovers.
Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs are a tasty alternative to chicken breasts. They add a richer flavor to the soup and tend to stay more tender and juicy. Sear and cook them just as you would chicken breasts.
Add Veggies
Easily add some color to this one-pot dish by incorporating fresh vegetables.
Asparagus, broccoli, and green beans are all great options that pair well with lemon, basil, and parmesan.
When to add in…
The Right Pan
Size Matters: Go for a large, deep skillet (12 inches or bigger). It gives the chicken and orzo plenty of room to cook evenly and keeps everything from spilling out when you stir.
Lid Required: You’ll need a lid to cover the pan while the orzo cooks. If your skillet doesn’t have one, no worries—just cover it tightly with foil.
No skillet? No problem! A wide, shallow Dutch oven or braiser works like a charm.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store it in portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. That in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Reheat in the microwave in portions in 30-second increments, stirring in between each, until warmed through.
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