Lemon Chicken Orzo
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, and a refreshing burst of lemon flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, providing a nutritious meal that’s visually stunning and sure to impress family and friends. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors, making it an ideal choice for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 fresh lemons (for juice and zest)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet; let it rest. Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet; bring to a boil. Stir in orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Reduce heat, chop rested chicken into bite-sized pieces, and return to the skillet along with fresh spinach. Squeeze in lemon juice and add zest.
- Mix until combined; serve warm garnished with lemon slices or extra zest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flair, swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Customize by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.