One-Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of One-Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken—a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with zesty lemon and fluffy orzo pasta, all made in a single pot for effortless cooking and cleanup. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe guarantees a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add to the pot and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Stir in orzo pasta, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried herbs. Mix well.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach just before serving until wilted.
- Serve hot from the pot, garnished with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: To customize, add vegetables like peas or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of broth or water.