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Homemade Lemon Butter Chicken Orzo Primavera recipe photo

Lemon Butter Chicken Orzo Primavera

This Lemon Butter Chicken Orzo Primavera is vibrant, fresh, and comforting! A quick one-pan wonder with tender chicken, spring veggies, and silky lemon butter sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup zucchini diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers diced
  • 0.5 cup onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Citrus juicer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Add the chicken to the pan, cooking for about 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the diced zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Add the orzo pasta directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed—about 9-10 minutes.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the butter and fresh lemon juice, allowing the butter to melt and coat everything in a luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Stir frequently while simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the pan.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces and monitor cooking time to avoid drying out.
  • Adjust lemon juice and butter to balance acidity to your taste.
  • For seasonal variation, swap vegetables or add spinach for extra greens.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.