One-Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken Peas (Printable)

Creamy orzo, juicy chicken, lemon, and peas come together for a bright Mediterranean-inspired one-pot dinner.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 ounces), 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

# How To Make It:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Cleanup is a breeze, making weeknight dinners feel almost effortless.
  • The lemon and Parmesan create a creamy, zesty sauce that tastes like spring in every bite.
02 -
  • If you rush the toasting of orzo, it may turn mushy later, so take those extra seconds.
  • Adding lemon zest at the end preserves the brightness—adding it too early dulls the flavor.
03 -
  • Don't skimp on the fresh herbs—parsley added at the end is a game changer.
  • Let the orzo sit covered for a couple of minutes after cooking for creamier texture.
Go Back