If you love quick, nourishing dinners that don’t sacrifice flavour, this One Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is a must-try. It’s creamy yet light, with the zesty brightness of lemon, the richness of parmesan, and the goodness of lean chicken – all made in one pan for easy clean-up.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of protein, fibre, and healthy carbs to keep you feeling full and energised.

Table of Contents

Ingredients (Serves 2)

250g Chicken Breast (weighed raw)
½ tsp Garlic Powder
¼ tsp Onion Powder
¼ tsp Dried Thyme
¼ tsp Ground Paprika
50g Brown Onion, finely chopped
100g Zucchini, grated
2 cloves Fresh Garlic, crushed
135g Risoni Pasta (weighed dry)
500ml Salt-Reduced Chicken Stock
2g Lemon Zest
30ml Lemon Juice
30g Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese
20g Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
30g Baby Spinach
5g Chopped Parsley (for garnish)

Nutrition per serve:
Calories: 491 | Protein: 44g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 58g | Fibre: 5g

Method

1. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika. Sear in a pan for 6–7 minutes per side, cover and cook for another 4–5 minutes, then rest.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, sauté onion for 2–3 minutes (add a touch of water if needed). Add grated zucchini and garlic, and cook for 1–2 minutes more.

3. Add Orzo and Stock: Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute. Add chicken stock and lemon zest, then simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Finish and Serve: Lower the heat, stir in cream cheese and mozzarella until melted. Add lemon juice and spinach, stir through until wilted. Slice the rested chicken and serve topped with fresh parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in Protein: Over 80g of protein to keep you full and support recovery.
Balanced Nutrition: A mix of complex carbs, healthy fats, and fibre for lasting energy.
Quick & Easy: Just one pan and ready in 30 minutes — less mess, more flavour.
Fresh Flavour: Lemon zest and juice lift the dish, keeping it light and refreshing.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo

Use low-sodium stock for better control of saltiness.
For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt before serving.
Swap chicken for grilled white fish or plant-based fillets for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Double the batch – it reheats beautifully for meal prep.

This One Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean boring or bland. With its zesty flavour, creamy texture, and satisfying protein punch, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat.