Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts, chopped into large bite size pieces; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, diced (or 1 teaspoon onion powder); 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder); 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked); 2 medium zucchini and/or yellow summer squash, grated (optional); 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth; Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup juice); 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon or better than bouillon; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella; 1/4 cup crumbled feta; 1/4 cup chopped basil; 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill; 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

There’s something about the bright, tangy pop of lemon combined with tender chicken and creamy orzo that just hits the spot. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights but still feels special enough for company. You’ll love how the flavors meld together—you’re going to want to make this again and again.

A creamy risotto dish fills a large round white pan with light golden tones and small pieces of cooked chicken mixed throughout the thick rice. On top, three grilled lemon slices with charred marks rest near the center, surrounded by sprinkled white cheese crumbles and chopped green herbs. A small cluster of fresh basil leaves adds a pop of bright green near the lemon slices, and a gold spoon is placed on the left side of the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a few scattered green leaves around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe has rescued my dinner plans. It’s simple, fast, and loaded with fresh, comforting flavors that never disappoint. The creamy orzo paired with the zing of lemon and a touch of herbs just makes this dish sing.

Easy One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together, meaning less cleanup and a quicker dinner on the table.
Bright & Comforting Flavors: The lemon zest and juice give it a fresh brightness that pairs perfectly with rich cheese and tender chicken.
Customizable: You can swap proteins, add veggies, or tweak the cheeses based on what you have in the fridge.
Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, so you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner ready to go later in the week.

A close-up image of creamy orzo pasta layered in a white bowl with a slightly rough edge; the orzo is light beige with small visible herbs mixed throughout, giving it a speckled green and black look. On top, there is a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh green herbs and small bits of white cheese, adding color contrast. To the side, a slice of grilled lemon with a golden-brown charred texture is resting over the orzo. The background shows a white marbled surface, adding a soft, clean look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe is all about balancing fresh, creamy, and savory flavors while keeping the ingredient list simple and accessible. Each one plays a key role — from the lemon’s brightness cutting through the richness to the orzo’s silky texture that ties it all together.

Flat lay of raw chopped chicken breast pieces seasoned with paprika and pepper, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of butter, a small white bowl of minced fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl of diced onion, a heap of uncooked orzo pasta, two fresh medium zucchinis, one large lemon sliced in half with visible zest, a small white bowl of evaporated milk, a small white bowl of cornstarch, a small white bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl with a lump of chicken bouillon powder, a small white bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil leaves, fresh dill sprigs, fresh parsley sprigs, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic plates and bowls placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Tender and mild, chicken soaks up the lemon and herb flavors beautifully.
Paprika, salt, and pepper: These seasonings elevate the chicken with subtle warmth and classic seasoning.
Olive oil and butter: A combo that adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
Small onion: Diced or powder works fine; it builds the flavor base with sweetness and depth.
Garlic cloves: Fresh or powder – garlic adds that unmistakable savory punch.
Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and creates that creamy risotto-like consistency.
Zucchini and/or yellow summer squash: Optional but I love adding these grated veggies for extra moisture, nutrition, and subtle sweetness.
Evaporated milk: Creaminess ahead! It gives the sauce a silky texture without heavy cream.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce gently for that perfect luscious coating.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and helps the orzo cook perfectly.
Lemon zest and juice: The stars of the show for fresh, bright flavor.
Chicken bouillon or better than bouillon: A secret ingredient that amps up the savory umami notes — don’t skip it!
Dried thyme, salt, pepper: Classic herb and spice that rounds out the flavor.
Mozzarella and feta cheese: Mozzarella brings gooey creaminess, while feta adds tangy richness and a touch of saltiness.
Fresh basil, dill, parsley: Bright fresh herbs add a garden-fresh finish and aroma.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe is super flexible. Whether you want to add extra veggies or switch up the protein, it’s easy to tailor it to your preferences or what’s in your fridge.

Swap proteins: I’ve made it wonderful with shredded rotisserie chicken—talk about a time saver! Ground chicken or even Italian sausage changes things up deliciously.
Add more veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or spinach stir in beautifully if you want to boost your greens.
Change the cheeses: Mozzarella and feta combo is my favorite, but Parmesan or Gouda give it a fun twist.
Make it vegetarian: Leave out the chicken and add hearty veggies like mushrooms and beans. Use vegetable broth to keep it flavorful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry right on the cutting board—this helps it brown better—and season it evenly with salt, paprika, and pepper. Heat up your olive oil in a large braiser or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook just until most pieces turn opaque; don’t fully cook here because it’ll finish simmering with the orzo. Remove the chicken and set aside to keep it juicy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Orzo

With the chicken removed, melt butter in those flavorful drippings and toss in diced onions. Sauté until they soften—about 4 minutes—then stir in the orzo, letting it toast gently for 2 minutes. This toasting step gives the pasta a nutty flavor and helps it hold up during cooking. Add grated zucchini and garlic last, cooking just a couple more minutes until everything smells fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Lemon Broth

Pour in the evaporated milk, then whisk your chicken broth and cornstarch together to avoid lumps before adding it in. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken bouillon, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken back into the pot, give everything a good stir to combine, and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer Until Orzo is Tender

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes—this little habit prevents the orzo from sticking and scorching on the bottom. The sauce will thicken nicely, and the orzo should be tender but not mushy. If it looks dry before the orzo is done, add a splash more broth or water to loosen things up.

Step 5: Stir in Cheeses and Fresh Herbs

Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, stir in shredded mozzarella until it melts into gooey perfection. Follow up with creamy feta and your fresh herbs—basil, dill, parsley—for that last burst of flavor. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if you like a brighter or saltier finish. If you want it creamier or saucier, add a splash of broth or milk and give it a good stir.

Top Tip

Having made the Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe several times, I’ve learned some little tricks that really make the difference between good and unforgettable.

Don’t overcook the chicken early: Leaving it slightly undercooked before simmering keeps it juicy and tender.
Toast your orzo: It may seem small, but this step adds a lovely nutty flavor that makes the dish pop.
Use fresh lemon zest and juice: Bottled lemon juice just isn’t the same—the fresh flavors brighten the whole dish.
Stir often during simmering: Orzo can stick very easily, so don’t forget to give it a gentle stir so nothing burns.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with extra fresh herbs—basil and parsley are my go-to—because they add such a fresh pop. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra crumbled feta on top, and if you like a touch of heat, a quick flick of red pepper flakes really livens it up.

Side Dishes

This lemony skillet is pretty much a full meal on its own, but I love serving it with a crisp green salad or some garlic roasted broccoli. A simple cucumber and tomato salad also complements the flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, try serving this skillet family-style with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze extra brightness. You could even offer a cheese board with a variety of tangy cheeses like goat or manchego to pair alongside. Serving it in a rustic cast iron skillet always adds to the cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find the flavors actually mellow and improve overnight. It keeps for about 4 to 5 days without any trouble.

Freezing

Heads up: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because the texture of the orzo and cheese changes — it tends to get grainy and watery after thawing.

Reheating

For reheating, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back its creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo’s small, rice-like shape is perfect for this recipe because it absorbs the sauce beautifully, but you can use small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous. Just watch cooking times closely as they’ll vary and adjust liquid as needed.

What can I substitute if I don’t have evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk, whole milk or half-and-half works fine though the sauce might be slightly less creamy. For a dairy-free option, you can try coconut milk or cashew cream but expect a different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and peas to make it hearty, and consider adding nuts or beans for protein.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Stirring every few minutes while the orzo simmers is key to preventing sticking. Also, use a good amount of liquid and keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil. If you see the orzo getting dry, add a little more broth or water.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s quick, comforting, and packed with fresh flavor that everyone loves. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Trust me, once you try it, it’s hard to go back to plain old pasta dishes!