Lemon Chicken Orzo
A vibrant explosion of flavors combining fresh lemons, tender chicken, and creamy orzo, making for a comforting yet refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 pieces fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking for about 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and pour in enough chicken broth to cover the pasta; bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, letting the orzo simmer. Stir occasionally until it’s al dente, which typically takes about 10 minutes.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet, along with the lemon juice and zest. Stir gently to combine.
- Toss in the fresh spinach, cooking until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Serve the dish topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and any remaining sauce.
Notes
To enhance lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the orzo as it simmers. Optional ingredients include olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.