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One-Pot Lemon Chicken & Orzo

One-Pot Lemon Chicken & Orzo is a delightful, light meal that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta—all in one pot! This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With fresh herbs and vibrant ingredients, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Enjoy this comforting dish that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; sear in the pot for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from pot.
  3. Add orzo to the pot and toast for 2 minutes while stirring.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest; stir well before returning chicken to the pot.
  5. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes until orzo is tender.
  6. Fold in spinach and parsley; let sit covered for an additional couple of minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: - Customize with your favorite vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or bell peppers. - For a creamier texture, add heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.