Description
A creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pot chicken orzo recipe that combines tender chicken, savory pasta, and a bright lemon finish.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs, bite-sized pieces
1.5 cups dried orzo pasta
3 cups high-quality chicken broth
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the dry orzo to the skillet. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the pasta slightly.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Step 7: Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 8: Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 9: Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
To make this even creamier, add a splash of heavy cream at the very end with the Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg