Introduction

This Lemon Cream Sauce Smothered Chicken and Orzo dish is a bright and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Tender chicken breasts are seared and baked with orzo pasta in a luscious lemony cream sauce, enriched with garlic, herbs, and parmesan. Fresh greens and basil add a lovely balance to this flavorful, one-pan dinner.

A black cast iron skillet filled with a warm, savory dish showing a mix of light brown cooked rice grains and pieces of tender golden chicken, scattered with dark green wilted spinach leaves throughout. The dish is topped with a few fresh, bright green basil leaves that add a pop of color. There is a silver spoon resting inside the skillet, slightly scooping the creamy, textured rice and spinach mix, with a small layer of broth visible around the edges. Crusty light brown bread pieces and a white bowl with grated cheese sit in the soft-focused background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds thin-cut chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon paprika

2 teaspoons dried thyme

3 tablespoons salted butter

4 cloves garlic, chopped

Chili flakes, to taste

2 cups broth

1 cup dry white wine

1/2 to 1 cup whole milk

1/3 cup lemon juice

2 cups chopped kale or spinach

1 cup orzo

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425° F (220° C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating well and shaking off the excess.

Step 3: Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it brown slightly, then stir in the chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon thyme, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Pour in the white wine and broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the chopped kale or spinach and let it simmer for 5 minutes to wilt.

Step 6: Stir in the whole milk and orzo, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet nestled into the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes to begin softening the orzo.

Step 7: Mix in the lemon juice, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious lemon cream sauce.

Tips & Variations

For a richer sauce, use cream instead of milk or a combination of both.

Swap kale for spinach or swiss chard depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle warm note that complements the lemon.

If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes.

Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. The orzo may absorb sauce as it sits, so loosening it up when reheating helps preserve the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the orzo is done?

The orzo should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite after cooking. In this recipe, baking with the sauce helps finish cooking the orzo, so check for texture when the baking time is complete and adjust if necessary.