Lemon chicken orzo is one of my favorite go-to weeknight meals because it is quick, easy, and full of flavor. My kids never complain about this meal, and that makes me feel good because it is full of vegetables and good protein. This recipe is also a great choice for a potluck.
Preparing Lemon Chicken Orzo
The first thing you’ll need to do when making the lemon chicken orzo is to prepare the orzo. Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that you should be able to find in the pasta section of most large grocery stores.
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Prepare a cup of the orzo according to the package instructions. Or you can try my shortcut and use a rice cooker. Pour in 1 cup of orzo and two cups of water and press cook. DONE!
One pot still one too many?
Heidi's chicken alfredo bakes in its own pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the orzo is cooking, cut up a rotisserie chicken. I usually remove the skin and then cut up the breast and thigh meat into bite-sized pieces. You should have about 2-3 cups of chopped chicken. You need 2 cups for this recipe. If you have some chicken left over, consider using it in these delicious salsa verde chicken enchiladas!
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Pour the chicken into a large mixing bowl and add a chopped cucumber, a diced red bell pepper, 4 chopped green onions, and about 2 tablespoons of fresh dill.
Step 4: Gather the Ingredients for the Dressing
The lemony dressing is what really makes this lemon chicken orzo recipe pop! You’ll need to whisk the following ingredients in a small bowl:
- The zest of one lemon
- 4 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 3/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
Fresh lemon zest and juice bring out a bright, tangy flavor, while the honey balances it all with a hint of sweetness. This quick dressing ties the entire dish together beautifully!
Step 5: Mix the Dressing
Whisk all of this together until it is well emulsified. If left for a while to sit, the honey will stick to the bottom, so make sure to mix well before drizzling it into the lemon chicken orzo.
Step 6: Assembling Lemon Chicken Orzo
Once your chicken and vegetables are diced, your orzo is rinsed and drained, and your dressing is prepared, pour all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and toss.
Step 7: Add Goat Cheese
Lastly, sprinkle in 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese. This ingredient adds a creamy and smooth texture. I absolutely LOVE goat cheese!
Step 8: Chill the Dish
Lemon chicken orzo tastes best chilled or at room temperature. If I am taking this dish to a potluck, I often sprinkle a bit more dill or green onion on top and squirt a bit of lemon juice to liven it up. It never fails that someone comes to ask me for the recipe after the bowl is empty!
Why Lemon Chicken Orzo Is Always a Hit at My House
Lemon chicken orzo has become a family favorite in my home because it’s simple, delicious, and always gets rave reviews. It’s my go-to choice for busy nights or gatherings when I want something fresh and impressive. I hope it becomes just as loved in your kitchen as it is in mine.
If you’re looking for more quick and flavorful recipes, check out some of my favorite 30-minute meals! Try the one-pan lemon parmesan chicken for an easy skillet dinner, the creamy and comforting sausage rigatoni, or the hearty chicken and broccoli casserole. You’re sure to find something that fits your schedule and satisfies your cravings.
Happy cooking, y’all!
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the orzo according to the package (or 1 cup orzo with 2 cups water in a rice cooker). Rinse and drain.
- Cut up the rotisserie chicken (you need 2 cups) and put it in a large bowl with the cucumber, bell pepper, green onions and dill.
- Whisk the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, honey, salt and olive oil until emulsified. Re-whisk before using, since the honey settles.
- Add the orzo and dressing to the bowl and toss. Sprinkle in the goat cheese and toss gently.
- Chill or serve at room temperature. Finish with extra dill, green onion and a squeeze of lemon.
