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One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • Zest and juice of one lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with dried basil, dried oregano, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and orzo pasta, stirring frequently for about 1 minute to lightly toast the orzo.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet, stir, and continue to cook covered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  8. Stir in the baby spinach, cooked chicken, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through, about 2 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with remaining salt if necessary.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute the asparagus with other vegetables like peas or broccoli.
  • For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese.

Find it online: https://newsvks.com/one-pot-lemon-chicken-orzo/