Lemon Chicken Orzo is a light but filling meal that mixes together orzo with chicken and a creamy lemon sauce, along with fresh herbs. This dish features Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese and is the perfect comfort dish that is easy to make. Your family will love this!

The American Dairy Association Mideast and I are excited to share this Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe with you. It is the perfect back-to-school recipe.

Orzo recipes are some of my favorite recipes to make. It is the perfect pairing for so many recipes, whether it is a soup, salad or main dish. I especially love orzo paired with cheese and made into a creamy, almost rice- like dish.

Many of you like this 4 Ingredient Cheesy Orzo Recipe so I know you will love a creamy lemon chicken version! Today’s Lemon Chicken Orzo reminds me of a chicken and rice dish I used to use, but it instead uses orzo.

It mixes together orzo with chicken, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, along with a creamy lemon sauce. It is the best creamy orzo.

You can have today’s Lemon Chicken Orzo on the table in under 30 minutes making it a great option for those busy nights.

This lemon orzo chicken dish is also is great as leftovers so feel free to make it ahead of time.

If you like orzo, you also should try my Summer Orzo Pasta Salad, Arugula Orzo Pasta Salad, Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo, Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad, Tomato Feta Orzo Salad, Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, One Pot Creamy Tomato Herb Orzo or this Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo.

I love making this for my family because I know that they are getting dairy, which will help keep them feeling satisfied and full.

Dairy foods provide nutrients people of all ages need to grow and maintain stronger bodies and minds. The protein in dairy –whey and casein– keeps you feeling full longer, provides energy to fuel your day and helps muscles recover.

The number of servings of dairy foods you need each day depends on your age.

For those 9 years or older, USDA recommends eating three daily servings of low fat or fat free milk, cheese and yogurt every day to meet dairy food group recommendations, close key nutrient gaps and contribute to nutritious and healthy eating patterns. As we head into the school year, it is so important to make sure our kids are getting a well-balanced diet packed with protein and calcium.

Why You Will Love This Creamy Lemon Orzo

Packed with Protein: This delicious meal uses two types of cheese: Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Cheese can help fill the protein gap. Mozzarella is one cheese, in addition to others like Swiss, cottage, ricotta and cheddar, that is high in protein. Cheeses like these contribute high-quality protein as well as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin A to the American diet.
Great for Meal-Prep: I love making this dish as part of my Sunday meal-prep. It tastes even better the next day as leftovers, in my opinion. You also can simplify the recipe further by using a shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts.
Easy to Modify: When making this recipe, you can easily modify it to your families tastes. For example, instead of chicken, try chickpeas, white beans, tofu, shrimp or salmon. Add additional veggies, in like bell peppers, green beans, peas, broccoli or carrots.

Recipe Ingredients in Lemon Orzo

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Orzo
Butter
Garlic
Fresh Lemon Juice
Parmesan Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Cream
Oregano
Fresh Basil and Fresh Parsley

How Do You Make Creamy Lemon Orzo

Step 1. Cook the Orzo: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable or chicken broth {or water} until simmering. Add the orzo in and simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

Add the butter and let melt for about 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick.

Step 2. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Turn heat to low and add the garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream, oregano and crushed red pepper {optional} and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 3. Stir in the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken until mixed well.

Step 4. Serve Warm: Stir in salt and pepper. Remove and serve warm garnished with shaved parmesan cheese, fresh basil and parsley.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Lemon Chicken Orzo with wooden serving spoon.

To Cook the Chicken:

If you aren’t using leftover chicken here are steps you can use to cook the chicken.

In a large Ziplock bag add the chicken, 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to the bag. Close and massage the spices into the chicken using your hands. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes, flip and cook until the chicken reaches a temperature of 165 degrees F.

Remove the chicken and put it on a cutting board. Using two forks shred the chicken.

Lemon Chicken Orzo chicken on cutting board.

Ways to Modify This Lemon Orzo Recipe:

Beans: Beans make a nice addition to this meal. You could leave out the chicken and add the beans or use both. I like chickpeas or white beans.
Chicken: You can use a variety of chicken options with this dish. You can use shredded chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken thighs, chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts.
Cheese: I used Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. You could also try feta or goat cheese.
Spices: If you want to spice up your recipe, try adding a variety of other spices like cayenne red pepper, paprika, crushed red pepper or smoked paprika.
Vegetables: If you have leftover vegetables to use up try carrots, celery, bell pepper, broccoli, green beans, tomatoes or peas.
Greens: I think that greens are a nice addition to this Lemon Orzo. I especially like spinach, arugula or Swiss chard.
Herbs: Adding fresh herbs is a great way to finish off this dish. Aside from basil and parsley try fresh dill or rosemary or fresh thyme.
Extra Citrus: If you like even more lemon try adding lemon zest.