Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a bright and comforting one-pan meal combining tender, sautéed chicken, aromatic garlic, fresh lemon juice and zest, and delicate orzo pasta cooked in savory chicken broth. The addition of fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and a healthy touch, making this dish both flavorful and nutritious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed)
Flavors and Seasonings
- 2 large fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Chicken and Garlic: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely for even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season them generously with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in the flavor and texture.
- Add Garlic and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Then add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine with the chicken and garlic.
- Simmer with Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Wilt Spinach: Remove the lid and stir in the fresh spinach leaves. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and incorporates well into the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the lemon chicken orzo hot, garnished with freshly grated lemon zest and an optional drizzle of olive oil for added richness and brightness.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest according to your preferred level of citrus brightness.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Ensure the orzo is cooked tender but not mushy; check after 10 minutes for texture.
