When the week gets busy and the kitchen feels like the last place you want to be, this Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo steps in like a quiet hero. It’s that comforting meal where buttery garlic meets a bright squeeze of lemon, wrapped around tender chicken pieces nestled in creamy orzo. And the best part? It all cooks in one pan, so you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying.
I remember the first time I made this dish on a chilly evening when the sky had already turned dark before dinner. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled the entire house, mingling with the sharp zest of lemon that made my mouth water instantly. As I stirred the orzo, watching it soak up the golden broth, the kitchen felt warm and inviting, even if the wind was howling outside. When the chicken came back to the pan, everything melded together perfectly—soft pasta, juicy chicken, and that burst of fresh parsley on top. It was a quiet moment of joy, sitting down to eat something so simple yet so satisfying.
- One-pan meal for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
- Bright lemon and rich garlic butter create a balanced, irresistible sauce
- Tender chicken pieces make it hearty and filling
- Creamy orzo adds a comforting texture that feels like a warm embrace
- Ready in just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
If you’re worried about juggling multiple dishes or spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe offers a straightforward path to a delicious dinner. It’s forgiving, too—perfect for cooks at any skill level, and flexible if you want to add your own twist with herbs or a pinch of spice.
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Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a garlic butter sauce with zesty lemon, served over creamy orzo pasta.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup water
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it in the garlic butter. Toast the orzo for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely, boneless skinless thighs work great and add a little extra richness.
Is orzo the only pasta that works here?
Orzo is ideal for its creaminess, but small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous can be substituted.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare it in advance and store in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently to keep the chicken tender.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
Fresh lemon really brightens the dish, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
This Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I hope it finds a place in your weeknight rotation, bringing ease and comfort with every bite.