Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts, chopped into large bite size pieces; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, diced (or 1 tsp powder); 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp 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 (1/4 cup juice); 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon or better than bouillon; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella; 1/4 cup feta; 1/4 cup chopped basil; 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill; 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon each dried)

There’s something so comforting about a one-pan dinner that feels fresh and cozy at the same time. This Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe is one of those meals that lights up the kitchen with zesty brightness and creamy richness – perfect for a weeknight when you want something quick yet satisfying.

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’m genuinely excited to share this Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe with you because it checks so many boxes—flavorful, creamy, and wholesome—all cooked in one pan for minimum fuss but maximum satisfaction.

Speed & Simplicity: The whole meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings.
Zesty Freshness: The lemon juice and zest give a bright, vibrant contrast to the creamy orzo and tender chicken.
One-Pan Wonder: You cook everything in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
Customizable: Whether you want to swap veggies, cheeses, or proteins, this recipe adapts well to your kitchen stash.

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

Every ingredient in this Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe plays a role in balancing creaminess with zest, and heartiness with freshness. Here’s why I love each one and how you can pick the best versions at the store.

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: They cook quickly and stay tender when chopped into bite-sized pieces. Patting them dry helps get a nice sear for flavor.
Paprika, salt, and pepper: Simple seasoning that adds warmth and depth without overpowering the bright lemon.
Olive oil: Great for sautéing chicken with a lovely fruity undertone.
Butter: Adds richness to the orzo base, elevating every bite.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics build a flavorful foundation that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Orzo pasta: Its tiny rice-like shape cooks fast and absorbs flavors like a champ.
Zucchini or yellow squash: Adding veggies like these gives a subtle sweetness and texture without competing with the main flavors.
Evaporated milk: Creamy but not too heavy, perfect for that luscious sauce texture.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce gently so it clings to everything.
Chicken broth: A savory liquid that makes the orzo flavorful as it cooks.
Lemon zest and juice: The star players—fresh lemon juices brighten and lift the whole dish.
Chicken bouillon or better than bouillon: It's a small secret that amps up the savory notes and ties everything together.
Dried thyme, salt, and pepper: Herbs and seasoning rounds out the flavors perfectly.
Mozzarella and feta cheese: Tangy and melty cheeses add creaminess and a fresh salty kick.
Fresh herbs (basil, dill, parsley): Final burst of herbal brightness and color that makes a difference you can taste.

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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

One of the things I adore about this Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you want it lighter, more indulgent, or packed with extra veggies, you can totally tweak it.

Variation: Once, I swapped the chicken for spicy Italian sausage and added sun-dried tomatoes — the flavor was punchy and totally crave-worthy. You could also try ground chicken or even toss in cooked shrimp at the end for a seafood twist.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First things first: while your chicken breast pieces are still on the cutting board, pat them dry with a paper towel. This makes a huge difference in getting a nice golden color instead of steaming. Then season them generously with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. I usually cook until just opaque on most pieces, about 3-4 minutes, because the chicken will finish cooking later with the orzo. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Aromatics and Orzo

In the same skillet, melt butter in the chicken drippings. Sauté diced onions until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add your orzo, stirring frequently, and cook it for 2 minutes to lightly toast it—that adds a nice nutty depth. At this point, stir in the grated zucchini and garlic; cook for another couple of minutes until the onions are tender. These steps really make sure each ingredient shines.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Lemon Sauce and Simmer

Next, pour in the evaporated milk and stir gently. In a separate bowl, whisk the chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth, then add that to the skillet along with lemon juice and zest, chicken bouillon, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, then nestle the chicken pieces back into the sauce.

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. Keep the lid on as much as possible to trap the steam. If the orzo isn’t tender and the liquid’s absorbed, add a little more broth to loosen it up. You’re aiming for a creamy, risotto-like texture here.

Step 4: Melt Cheese and Stir in Fresh Herbs

Once your orzo is perfectly tender, stir in shredded mozzarella until it melts into the sauce, then add the crumbled feta for that tangy pop. Finish the dish with a handful of chopped fresh basil, dill, and parsley—it brightens everything and adds a fresh herbal note. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed. If you want it saucier, you can fold in a splash more broth or cream here.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe more times than I can count, and a few tips have consistently made it more delicious and easier to nail every time.

Dry Your Chicken Well: It sounds simple, but dry chicken means better sear and flavor. I never skip patting it down with paper towels.
Toast the Orzo: Toasting the orzo before simmering boosts the flavor and keeps the texture perfect without becoming mushy.
Watch Your Simmer: Stir every couple of minutes and keep the lid mostly on to trap steam—that’s how you get creamy, tender orzo without burning.
Don't Skip the Bouillon: Adding chicken bouillon is a game-changer. It adds richness and depth I didn’t get the first time I skipped it!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with extra fresh herbs like basil and dill because it adds that garden-fresh aroma just before serving. A little extra lemon zest sprinkled on top really wakes up the whole plate, too!

Side Dishes

This skillet dinner holds its own, but I sometimes like to serve it alongside a simple green salad or roasted asparagus for some crunch and color contrast. Garlic bread also works well if you want to make it a bit more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this straight in shallow bowls and topped with a lemon wedge and sprig of fresh dill, which makes it feel special. You can also turn it into a vibrant platter by sprinkling chopped cherry tomatoes or olives around the edges.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay good for about 4-5 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, but the orzo can absorb liquid and thicken, so keep that in mind.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze very well because orzo tends to become mushy after thawing. I’d recommend making just what you need or saving leftovers for fridge storage only.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce back up and keep it creamy. Microwaving works fine for quick meals—just remember to stir halfway through to reheat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of chicken for this Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute boneless thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even ground chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Is there a good dairy-free alternative for the cheeses and milk?

For dairy-free, you can try coconut or oat milk instead of evaporated milk and use dairy-free cheeses or nutritional yeast for flavor. Adjust seasoning to compensate, especially for the tanginess.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For vegan, substitute plant-based milk and cheeses, and consider adding chickpeas or tofu for protein. The orzo will still be delicious with lemon and herbs.

What’s the best way to prevent the orzo from sticking or burning?

Stir the orzo frequently while it simmers, and keep the heat at medium-low. Make sure to replace the lid quickly to keep steam in and add extra broth if it looks like it’s drying out. Using a heavy-bottomed pan also helps distribute heat evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe has become my go-to for a fast, flavorful, and comforting dinner that feels a bit special without the fuss. I love how easy it is to throw together yet how impressive it tastes — and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much once you try it. Grab your skillet, peel that lemon, and let’s make some magic happen tonight!