If you’re craving something fresh, zesty, and deeply satisfying—but don’t have the time or energy for anything complicated—this Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken is your new best friend. It’s vibrant and comforting at the same time, bursting with bright lemon flavor, fragrant basil, and tender bites of juicy chicken, all tied together with silky orzo pasta. Best of all? It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it an absolute weeknight winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: This one-pan wonder comes together in half an hour with minimal prep and clean-up.
Fresh and Flavorful: The lemon and basil combo brings a sunny, Mediterranean brightness that tastes like summer in a bowl.
Versatile and Wholesome: Balanced with lean protein, herbs, and pasta—this dish is nourishing without feeling heavy.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or cooking for guests, everyone loves this flavor-packed orzo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beautiful dish to life:

Orzo pasta: Acts as the creamy, tender base—cooks fast and soaks up all the flavors.
Cooked chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience or grilled chicken for smoky depth.
Fresh basil: Adds herbaceous, aromatic freshness—don’t skip it! Chop just before adding to keep the flavor punchy.
Lemon zest and juice: Brightens every bite—zest the lemon before juicing to capture maximum citrus oil.
Garlic: Gives the dish its savory backbone—sautéed briefly to mellow and sweeten the flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the orzo to create a silky, savory finish—use freshly grated for best results.
Olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and coating the orzo—use a good quality extra virgin oil if possible.
Chicken broth: Used to cook the orzo and infuse it with savory flavor.
Salt and black pepper: To taste—season in layers for best flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch adds a gentle heat that balances the lemony brightness.

Variations

Here’s how you can mix things up:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and stir in white beans, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled zucchini for a hearty meatless option.
Creamier Finish: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Make it a Salad: Chill the finished dish and serve cold with cherry tomatoes and baby spinach for a refreshing pasta salad twist.
Different Herbs: Try swapping basil with fresh dill, parsley, or mint for a new flavor profile.

How to Make Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

Pour the orzo into the skillet with the garlic and stir for a minute to toast slightly. Then add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Flavorings

Stir in the cooked chicken, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let it all warm through for 2-3 minutes. If it seems too dry, add a splash more broth.

Step 4: Finish with Basil and Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon into bowls and top with more basil or cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm and watch it disappear fast.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s fast, flavorful, and saves serious time. Shred it right into the pan.
Zest Before Juicing: Always zest your lemon before you cut it to get the most aromatic oils.
Cook Orzo Like Risotto: Stirring occasionally while it simmers helps it release starch and become creamy, no cream needed.
Fresh Basil at the End: Basil can turn bitter if cooked too long—add it just before serving.

How to Serve

This dish is a dream as a stand-alone main, but it also plays well with others:

As a Main:

Serve warm in bowls with a light sprinkle of extra cheese and basil on top.

With a Side:

Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus for a simple yet elegant plate.

As Part of a Spread:

Great alongside grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a chilled glass of white wine for a dinner party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze it, but the texture of the orzo may soften. If freezing, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Stir in a little fresh lemon juice to revive the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute cooked rice, but the texture will be different. Orzo gives a creamier consistency that’s hard to beat.

What type of chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken is fine—grilled, roasted, or rotisserie. Just make sure it’s juicy and well-seasoned.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely! Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for richness.

Is it okay to use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is really key here, but in a pinch, use dried—just reduce the amount since dried is more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken is that rare dish that’s both effortless and impressive. It hits all the right notes—zesty, creamy, herbaceous, and deeply comforting. Whether you’re racing through a weeknight or planning a cozy dinner, this recipe has your back. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken Recipe