Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken (Bright, Cozy & One-Pan!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 12, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Creamy lemon orzo with chicken cooked in a skillet, featuring tender golden chicken pieces, creamy orzo pasta, and fresh parsley.

This Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken is a bright, comforting one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, silky orzo, fresh lemon, and Parmesan. It’s cozy without being heavy and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. If you enjoy creamy skillet meals like Chicken Florentine, Marry Me Chicken, or Creamy Boursin Pasta, this recipe is a must-try.

The lemon adds a fresh, vibrant finish that balances the creamy sauce beautifully. Serve it with simple sides like Classic Caesar Salad, Broccoli Bacon Salad, or warm Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread to soak up every bit of the sauce. Cozy, fresh, and endlessly satisfying, this is the kind of dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy orzo with bright lemon flavor and tender chicken
Comforting yet fresh dish that doesn’t feel heavy
One-pan meal made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy family meals

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Orzo

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked orzo
2½ cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½–1 lemon (to taste)
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste

For Finishing

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Extra Parmesan, for serving

Instructions

Season & Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Toast the Orzo: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orzo and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until lightly toasted.
Simmer: Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed (about 8–10 minutes).
Make It Creamy: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes until creamy.
Combine & Finish: Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

With Cranberry Spinach Salad or Apple Pecan Salad
Alongside Best Homemade Italian Bread
Add Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts or Green Bean Almondine for extra veggies

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicy and add extra flavor.

Can I make this lighter?

You can swap half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely — spinach, asparagus, peas, or zucchini work great.

Does orzo reheat well?

Yes! Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken is the perfect blend of bright and cozy — rich enough to satisfy, yet fresh enough to feel light and balanced. With tender chicken, creamy orzo, and a pop of lemon, this one-pan dinner is easy, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s a reliable go-to for weeknights and special enough for guests, all without extra effort.