Description
Zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo is a bright, cozy one-pot dinner made with tender chicken, silky orzo pasta, fresh lemon juice and zest, and a touch of cream and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and cream if using. Return chicken to pan and fold in spinach. Cook 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Feel free to omit cream for a lighter version.
- Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg