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One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

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This One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo combines tender, juicy chicken with creamy, lemony orzo pasta and fresh greens. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, bringing comfort and zest to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 large shallots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
  • â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken:
    • Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken:
    • In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
    • Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics:
    • In the same pot, add the diced shallots and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
    • Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Create the Base:
    • Sprinkle the flour over the aromatics, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
    • Slowly pour in the chicken stock and Dijon mustard, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Cook the Orzo:
    • Stir in the orzo pasta; season with salt and pepper.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked through, about 6 minutes.
  6. Add Greens and Finish:
    • Stir in the kale, Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until the kale has wilted, about 3 minutes.
    • Return the chicken to the pot to warm through.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
  • Spinach can be used instead of kale for a milder flavor.
  • Ensure to add the heavy cream slowly to prevent curdling.