Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a vibrant and comforting dish that perfectly balances the zesty brightness of lemon with tender chicken and hearty orzo pasta. This one-pot meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, showcasing a medley of flavors from fresh garlic, rich Parmesan, and nutritious spinach. With minimal cleanup required, it allows you to spend more quality time with family and friends while enjoying a delicious homemade meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 cups water
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¾ teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until fully cooked (165°F), about 4-8 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté chopped onion for 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour chicken broth, water, orzo, salt, and pepper into the skillet, stir to combine, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-11 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and spinach until wilted. Slice the cooked chicken and return to the skillet; mix gently to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg