Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 shallots, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 2 cups baby spinach, chopped; Shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish; Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Description

This Lemon Chicken Orzo is a bright and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with aromatic herbs, pan-seared to perfection, and then cooked with orzo pasta in a lemony chicken broth. Fresh spinach is added for a pop of color and nutrition, making this dish a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 shallots, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 cups baby spinach, chopped
Shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Season Chicken:
1. Cube the chicken breast into 1 ½ to 2-inch pieces.
2. In a bowl, evenly coat the chicken with the dried basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear Chicken:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until mostly cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Shallots and Garlic:
1. Add the butter, minced shallots, and minced garlic to the skillet.
2. Sauté for 2 minutes, until the shallots are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Toast Orzo:
1. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet.
2. Stir continuously and toss until evenly toasted and lightly golden brown.
Cook Orzo:
1. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the skillet.
3. Cook until the orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Chicken and Spinach:
1. Add the cooked chicken and chopped baby spinach to the skillet.
2. Stir and continue to cook until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish and Serve:
1. Garnish with lemon slices and shredded Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the amount of lemon juice and lemon zest to your preference.
You can use other types of pasta, such as farfalle or penne.
Add other vegetables like asparagus, peas, or bell peppers for variety.
For a creamier dish, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 450kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg