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Buttered Lemon Chicken Orzo

Buttered Lemon Chicken Orzo is a bright, buttery one pan dinner with tender golden chicken and silky lemon kissed pasta. Fresh, cozy, and ready in 30 minutes, it is the perfect easy weeknight comfort meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
Orzo and Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower the heat slightly. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, coating it in the butter and garlic.
  5. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors blend.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra vegetables, stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end of cooking. Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of broth to keep the orzo creamy.