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Creamy One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

Close-up of a creamy, saucy bowl of lemon chicken orzo mixed with wilted spinach and topped with browned chicken pieces.
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Make this bright, zesty lemon chicken orzo in one pot for a quick, creamy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the dry orzo pasta and toast it for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is mostly tender.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  7. Continue to cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a brighter flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh parsley when you add the spinach.
  • If you prefer chicken thighs, substitute them for the breasts; adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash more broth or water.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe/