One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, creamy pasta dish with tender chicken and zesty lemon, ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breasts, orzo pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 12 oz chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried oregano. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 8 oz orzo pasta and stir to coat.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1.5 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender but still has a slight bite, adding 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water if needed.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and the cooked chicken, then simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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