One-Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken Peas (Printer-friendly)

Tender chicken, lemony orzo, and sweet peas combine for a vibrant meal in a single pot.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

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

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add butter and onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute further.
03 - Stir in orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
04 - Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Return the chicken to the pot along with peas, lemon zest, and juice. Stir well and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with additional lemon zest or Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This recipe leaves you with just one pot to clean and a lingering lemony aroma that almost feels like cheating.
  • The creamy orzo and tender chicken come together faster than you’d believe—perfect after a rough day.
02 -
  • The orzo can go from creamy to sticky in minutes if left unattended—stir often and don’t wander off.
  • If you wait to add lemon juice until the end, the flavor stays crisp and doesn’t fade away.
03 -
  • Toasting orzo before adding the broth brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
  • Finish with extra lemon zest for a whisper of sunshine at the end.
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