Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Bake

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Bake

 Ingredients:

• 2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes (or cooked shredded chicken)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, but makes it extra creamy)
• Juice of 1 lemon + lemon zest
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or Italian seasoning)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken with salt and pepper until lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. In a baking dish, add the uncooked orzo.
4. Add the cooked chicken on top.
5. In a bowl, mix together:
   • Cream of chicken soup
   • Chicken broth
   • Heavy cream
   • Lemon juice and zest
6. Pour this mixture over the orzo and chicken. Stir gently to combine.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve.

 Tips:

• You can add spinach or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with a homemade creamy sauce.