One-Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken Peas (Printable version)

Comforting orzo, chicken, peas, and lemon combine for a creamy, flavorful spring dinner cooked in one pot.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Grains & Pasta

07 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)

→ Dairy

08 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Liquids

10 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Oils & Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, melt butter and add onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in orzo, toasting for 1–2 minutes while stirring frequently.
04 - Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Return chicken to the pot with peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well, cook uncovered for 4–5 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm, garnished with additional lemon zest and Parmesan as desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • One pot means you spend less time cleaning and more time savoring the flavors.
  • Each bite delivers creamy comfort and a refreshing tang that wakes up tired taste buds.
02 -
  • If you leave the orzo unattended, it sticks fast – so stir every few minutes and don’t walk away.
  • Adding lemon juice too early makes the chicken tough; wait until you’ve combined everything for the best texture.
03 -
  • Aim for al dente orzo and don’t cook until mushy, as it continues to soften off heat.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan – the pre-shredded kind just doesn’t melt or flavor the same.
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