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Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe No Boiling Needed

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A quick and comforting casserole featuring tender chicken and orzo cooked in a creamy lemon sauce without the need to boil the pasta separately. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook about 5 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir in uncooked orzo, spreading evenly.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 10 minutes without stirring.
  6. Uncover and stir gently. Add chicken back to the skillet along with heavy cream and shredded mozzarella. Stir to combine and cover again.
  7. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and orzo is tender but not mushy. Sauce should be creamy and slightly thickened.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Keep the pan covered while simmering the orzo to trap steam and cook evenly. Avoid stirring during the first 10 minutes to prevent mushy orzo. If sauce is too thick after resting, stir in a splash of broth or cream before serving. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice-shaped pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken casserole, creamy chicken orzo, no boil orzo recipe, easy chicken dinner, weeknight casserole

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/easy-creamy-lemon-chicken-orzo-casserole-recipe-no-boiling-needed/