Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken with Orzo & Greens
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

If comfort food had a spring makeover, this Creamy Lemon Chicken with Orzo & Greens would be it. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a velvety lemon-garlic cream sauce, swirled with tender orzo and a vibrant tangle of wilted greens. This one-skillet dinner is both cozy and refreshing, making it perfect for any night of the week when you want something satisfying without feeling heavy.

What makes this dish shine is its harmony of textures and flavors. The tangy brightness of lemon lifts the rich cream, while orzo offers a satisfying bite, and the greens bring a wholesome earthy balance. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together in under an hour—no oven, no fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Chicken with Orzo & Greens

One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Balanced and bright: Creamy and indulgent without being too rich, thanks to the lemony zing.
Versatile: Works with spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard.
Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully and makes weekday lunches exciting.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Having the right tools ensures both ease and consistency in this dish:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: The hero of this recipe. A deep, heavy-bottomed skillet is essential to sear the chicken and hold all components comfortably as they simmer together.
Tongs: Great for flipping the chicken breasts without tearing the golden crust.
Zester or Microplane: Extracting lemon zest adds depth to the flavor profile.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your nonstick or cast-iron cookware.
Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precision is key when balancing lemon, broth, and cream.

With these basics on hand, you’ll sail through the prep and be rewarded with a silky, restaurant-worthy meal.

Ingredients for the Creamy Lemon Chicken with Orzo & Greens

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts sear to a beautiful golden crust and remain juicy inside.
Orzo Pasta: This short-cut pasta soaks up all the creamy, lemony goodness and adds heartiness.
Fresh Greens (Spinach or Kale): These greens wilt beautifully into the sauce and add a nutrient boost.
Lemon Zest and Juice: The real stars that cut through the richness with bright citrus.
Heavy Cream: Provides the luxurious, silky texture of the sauce.
Garlic: Adds savory depth and aroma.
Chicken Broth: Enhances flavor while giving orzo the liquid it needs to cook.
Olive Oil & Butter: For that perfect sear and layered flavor.
Salt, Pepper & Optional Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that bring it all together.

How To Make the Creamy Lemon Chicken with Orzo & Greens

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the orzo and let it toast slightly.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally, letting orzo cook until almost tender (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 4: Add Cream & Greens

Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add your greens and let them wilt gently into the sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet. Cover and let simmer another 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with extra lemon slices, fresh herbs like parsley or mint, and a final drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Serving & Storing This Creamy Skillet Dinner

This dish is best served hot, right out of the skillet. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies to complete the meal. Leftovers? They reheat incredibly well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.