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Creamy lemon chicken orzo with tender chicken, orzo pasta, and vibrant lemon flavor.

Lemon Chicken Orzo

A cozy and bright one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo, and zesty lemon flavor that's quick and easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Splash for cooking.
  • 1 tsp salt To taste.
  • 1 tsp black pepper To taste.
For the Orzo Base
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Regular or whole wheat.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped For base flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced For flavor.
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth For cooking the orzo.
  • 1 lemon zest and juice Use fresh if possible.
  • 1 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning For added flavor.
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or kale Optional, add at end.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese For serving, optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet.
Cooking
  1. Add the chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until mostly done.
  2. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
  3. In the same pot, add more oil or butter, then the chopped onion, and sauté until soft.
  4. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in orzo and cook for 1 minute to absorb flavors.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, scrape up any brown bits from the bottom, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and seasonings, then return chicken to the pot.
  8. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
  9. If adding spinach, stir it in at the end and let it wilt.
  10. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra lemon if desired.

Notes

If the pot looks dry before the orzo is done, add more broth or water. For creaminess, stir in cream cheese or half and half at the end. Garnish with Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.