Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoon butter; 1 small yellow onion - diced; 4 cloves garlic - minced; 1 cup orzo pasta - uncooked; 1 splash dry white wine (optional); 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 3 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup thawed frozen peas; 4 oz feta cheese; salt and pepper - to taste

Imagine a dish that’s cozy, tangy, and creamy all at once—this Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe hits all those notes perfectly. With tender shredded chicken and zesty lemon, it’s like a hug in a bowl that you can whip up on a busy weeknight.

The image shows a creamy dish with three main layers. The base layer is made of soft white orzo pasta mixed with shredded white chicken, both covered in a thick white sauce. Scattered evenly throughout the dish are bright green peas, adding a fresh pop of color. On top, there are chunks of white cheese sprinkled with black pepper for texture. A wooden spoon is partly visible on the right side, stirring the dish. The background has a white marbled texture. 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 Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together bright lemon flavor and creamy decadence in one pot. It’s quick to make but feels special enough for guests or a weekend treat.

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
Bright & Comforting: Lemon adds lively freshness while the cream and cheeses make it luxuriously smooth.
Versatile Protein: Uses shredded chicken, perfect for turning leftovers into a star dish.
Family Friendly: This creamy pasta with peas sneaks in some veggies and pleases adults and kids alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Here’s the magic behind the flavors and textures. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this dish easy to pull together anytime. A few tips: opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled for the brightest zing, and if you use frozen peas, just thaw them before adding—they add sweetness and a pop of color.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a few pats of pale yellow butter, one small diced yellow onion, four peeled garlic cloves, a small mound of uncooked orzo pasta, a small white ceramic bowl with clear dry white wine, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich heavy cream, shredded cooked chicken pieces arranged neatly, a quarter cup of finely grated parmesan cheese, a small pile of fresh green peas, a block of creamy white feta cheese, two whole uncracked brown eggs, small piles of coarse salt and black pepper placed symmetrically -- all 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

Olive oil: Provides a mild, fruity base to sauté aromatics without overpowering.
Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onion beautifully.
Yellow onion: Gives a sweet and savory foundation once sautéed until tender.
Garlic: Infuses that punchy, familiar flavor we all love.
Orzo pasta: The star grain here, toasty and tender, it soaks up all the luscious sauce.
Dry white wine (optional): Adds subtle depth and acidity; feel free to skip if you prefer.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish savory without excess saltiness.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the creamy elements perfectly.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky smooth without risk of curdling.
Cooked shredded chicken: Your protein powerhouse—easy to use leftovers or freshly cooked.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer that melts into the sauce.
Thawed frozen peas: Sweet bursts of freshness and lovely color contrast.
Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, it adds tang and creamy texture to each bite.
Salt and pepper: Adjust seasoning to taste and bring all the flavors together.

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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

The Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe is wonderfully adaptable—feel free to make it truly your own by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite twists. A little creativity can turn this comforting dish into something new and exciting every time.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the shredded chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas to keep the dish hearty and satisfying without meat. I once used garlic-roasted portobello mushrooms, and the earthiness paired beautifully with the bright lemon and creamy sauce.
Seasonal Twist: Replace the peas with fresh spinach or asparagus tips during springtime for a fresh seasonal touch. I love tossing in some wilted spinach right at the end for added color and nutrition.
Extra Zest: For a punch of lemony brightness, add a teaspoon of lemon zest alongside the lemon juice. It really makes the flavor pop—trust me, lemon lovers will appreciate this!
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo made from corn or rice flour if you need to avoid gluten. It works just as well and keeps the dish just as creamy and delicious.

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

A white bowl holds a creamy orzo pasta dish with three layers of small, soft, off-white orzo pieces mixed evenly with bright green peas and shredded white chicken. The top layer has a light sprinkling of black pepper, adding fine dark specks. On one side, two thin slices of yellow lemon are placed overlapping slightly on top of the pasta. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the bowl, with its tip partly buried in the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gently Sauté Onions and Garlic for a Flavor Base

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the onions are softened and nice and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir. This foundation is where the cozy flavors begin to build, so take your time and enjoy the aroma.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo Pasta for Extra Depth

Next, add 1 cup of uncooked orzo to the pot with the garlic and onions. Stir it well so the orzo mixes in evenly. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the orzo gently. This step adds a subtle nuttiness and really enhances the overall flavor of the dish. If you'd like, pour in a splash of dry white wine here and allow it to reduce slightly—this adds a lovely complexity, but it’s completely optional.

Step 3: Combine the Liquids and Simmer the Orzo

Pour in 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a soft simmer. Give it a good stir often—about every couple of minutes—to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom and to create that creamy texture we’re after. Cook for around 15 minutes until the orzo becomes tender and the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Stir in Chicken, Cheese, and Peas for the Finishing Touch

Once the orzo is perfectly tender, it's time to add 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup of thawed frozen peas, and 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese. Mix everything gently until the chicken is warmed through and the cheeses have melded into the creamy sauce. The texture will be luscious, with little pops of sweetness from the peas and bursts of tang from the feta.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving

Give your dish a final taste. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to balance out the flavors. Serve your Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo warm and enjoy the satisfying blend of creamy, bright, and comforting notes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the creamiest, most flavorful results with your Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe, making your dinner an absolute winner every time.

Use heavy cream: I’ve found that using heavy cream rather than milk keeps the sauce silky smooth and prevents it from curdling when mixed with the bright lemon juice.
Toast the orzo well: Toasting the orzo with garlic and onion before cooking adds a wonderful nutty depth that really elevates the overall flavor—don’t skip this step!
Stir often while simmering: Orzo can stick and clump if left unattended. Stirring frequently ensures an even cook and creamy texture throughout.
Don’t rush seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed; sometimes a little extra seasoning brings all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

The image shows a white pot with creamy rice mixed with three main layers: shredded white meat on top and throughout, bright green peas scattered evenly, and crumbled white cheese sprinkled over the top. The creamy sauce coats everything lightly, giving the rice a soft glossy look. There are small black pepper bits dotted on the surface, adding contrast. A wooden spoon is placed inside the pot, stirring the mixture slightly, against a clean white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up the dish even more, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. A few extra crumbles of feta add a delightful tangy punch, and for those who like a little texture, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds make fantastic additions that contrast beautifully with the creamy orzo.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus for a fresh, springtime vibe. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the creamy sauce wonderfully for savoring every bit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This makes it a perfect recipe for meal prep, keeping your weekday dinners quick and satisfying.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind the texture of the orzo may change slightly. To freeze, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up and restore that creamy consistency you love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can swap orzo for other small pasta shapes like couscous or acini di pepe, but cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the texture to get it just right.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! With a total time of just 30 minutes, this dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To adapt this Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe for dairy-free diets, consider substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using a dairy-free cheese alternative, although the flavor and texture will vary from the original.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No worries! The splash of dry white wine is optional and can be omitted without affecting the overall success of the recipe. Just proceed by adding the broth, lemon juice, and cream directly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple, quick, and just so comforting. The bright lemon really wakes up the creamy richness without being overpowering, and the mix of cheeses adds layers of flavor that feel indulgent yet wholesome. I hope it finds a cozy place on your dinner table too—enjoy every delicious bite!