One-Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken Peas (Printable Version)

Tender chicken, lemon, orzo, and peas create a comforting, vibrant meal with easy cleanup in one pot.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 - Warm olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
02 - Add butter and chopped onion to the same pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes until onion is translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
03 - Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Return chicken to the pot along with peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove pot from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with additional lemon zest or Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It perfectly balances creamy comfort and a fresh lemon kick, like a secret shortcut to springtime flavor.
  • You’ll only wash one pot, so cleanup is a breeze after a busy day.
02 -
  • Stir the orzo regularly during simmering or it sticks—a lesson I learned after scraping burnt pasta from the pot.
  • If you rush the lemon juice in too early, the flavor dulls; adding at the end keeps it bright.
03 -
  • Always zest your lemon before juicing—it saves time and keeps zest intact.
  • A quick fry of the chicken before simmering locks in moisture and prevents chewy bites later.
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