One-Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken Peas (Printable Page)

Bright orzo, chicken, lemon, and peas combine in one-pot for a comforting Mediterranean-inspired spring dinner.

# What You 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

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add butter and onions. Sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
03 - Add orzo pasta to the pot. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until lightly golden.
04 - Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Return chicken to the pot. Add green peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, orzo should be al dente and most liquid absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest or Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get creamy, lemony orzo and tender chicken in one pot with practically no cleanup—seriously, it&aposs magic on busy evenings.
  • The peas and fresh herbs brighten up every bite, making you feel like you&aposs eating outside even if it&aposs raining.
02 -
  • If you rush the orzo, it&aposs easy to end up with sticky clumps—always stir and check doneness.
  • I once skipped the lemon zest and missed that lively fragrance, so never forget it—it transforms the entire dish.
03 -
  • Never leave the orzo unattended—if it sticks, the flavor turns bland fast.
  • That splash of cream at the end is the quiet touch that makes guests swoon.
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