If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and refreshing, this Lemon Chicken Orzo with Pesto is the perfect choice. Tender, juicy chicken paired with creamy orzo, zesty lemon, and a rich swirl of fresh pesto creates a dish that feels gourmet yet comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even an elegant dinner party centerpiece.
This recipe combines the Mediterranean love for citrus and herbs with the heartiness of Italian-inspired orzo pasta—resulting in a dish that’s satisfying, nourishing, and bursting with flavor.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in under 40 minutes.
- Balanced flavors: lemon brightness + creamy orzo + herby pesto.
- Family-friendly yet elegant enough for guests.
- Flexible: can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 – easily doubled)
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest + juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Orzo:
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon (extra to taste)
- Salt & pepper, to season
For Serving:
- ½ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, optional
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly or slice chicken breasts into thinner cutlets for even cooking.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken in marinade and let sit for 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and rest.
2. Cook the Orzo
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter.
- Add orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and cook until orzo is al dente (8–10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Slice rested chicken into strips.
- Divide creamy orzo among plates.
- Top with sliced chicken and drizzle generously with pesto.
- Garnish with basil and lemon wedges.
💡 Pro Cooking Tips
- Perfect Chicken: Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.
- Orzo Texture: Stir frequently to prevent sticking; add extra broth if needed.
- Homemade Pesto Boost: Use fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and quality olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or ricotta to the orzo.
🥗 Serving Ideas
- Pair with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or a crisp green salad.
- Add a side of garlic bread or focaccia.
- Wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc (zesty) or Chardonnay (buttery).
🥡 Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Orzo freezes less well than rice; if freezing, undercook slightly and thaw gently.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep orzo creamy.
🔀 Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled zucchini, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or Calabrian chili oil.
- Mediterranean Twist: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichokes.
- One-Pan Version: Cook chicken and orzo together in the same skillet for easy cleanup.
⚡ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin C: 28% DV
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch?
Yes! Shred the chicken and add it at the end with the pesto.
2. Can I substitute rice for orzo?
Yes, but cooking times differ—rice will take longer and need more broth.
3. What’s the best pesto to use?
Homemade pesto is unbeatable, but a high-quality store-bought version works too.
4. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Orzo tends to soften when frozen, but if undercooked slightly before freezing, it can work.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast and use dairy-free pesto.
🌿 Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Orzo with Pesto is proof that a simple dish can feel both luxurious and comforting. With its bright citrus notes, creamy orzo base, and herby pesto finish, it’s a dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding family on a weeknight or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
