Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, creamy orzo pasta, and fresh spinach. It’s a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Orzo:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Orzo: In the same skillet, cook onion until softened. Add garlic and orzo, cook to toast slightly.
- Cook the Orzo: Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, bring to a boil. Cover, simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cooked chicken, lemon juice, zest, Parmesan, and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used as a shortcut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1½ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
