Lemon Chicken Orzo
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a bright and flavorful one-pot dish that harmoniously blends tender chicken, zesty lemon, and comforting orzo pasta. This quick recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, filling your kitchen with an aromatic essence that beckons everyone to the table. With each bite, enjoy a delightful combination of freshness and warmth that will leave you craving more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium fresh lemons (zest and juice)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the garlic and spinach.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; sear for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add orzo pasta and chicken broth; bring to a simmer while stirring occasionally.
- When orzo is nearly tender (about 8 minutes), mix in spinach along with lemon juice and zest until the spinach wilts.
- Slice the rested chicken and fold it back into the skillet; toss gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs beforehand. - Customize with seasonal veggies like cherry tomatoes or asparagus for extra freshness. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.