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Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo with Fresh Herbs

A close-up of Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo in a white bowl, topped with fresh dill.
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Prepare a rich, bright main dish featuring tender chicken pieces tossed with orzo pasta in a creamy lemon sauce, finished with a generous amount of fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley, dill, and chives. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For an even richer sauce, substitute mascarpone cheese for the cream cheese.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while resting, add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • Use a mix of herbs you prefer; basil works well in place of some of the dill.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/creamy-lemon-chicken-orzo-with-fresh-herbs/