Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
One-skillet lemon chicken orzo with chicken breast, orzo cooked in broth, spinach, milk, Parmesan, and lemon make a creamy sauce, and it's ready in 30 minutes.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and rest; slice once cooled slightly.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the orzo and toast, stirring often, for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the broth, stirring to loosen any bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender.
- Add the spinach and milk, and stir until the spinach starts to wilt.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Add the lemon juice slowly, stirring as you go.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- My Top Tip: Make the chicken breasts even in size. If they're thick in the center, gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin so they cook evenly and don't dry out.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze this recipe, but note that the texture of the orzo may change slightly. Store portions in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition
Serving: 2cups | Calories: 503kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 980mg | Potassium: 1111mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1745IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 2mg
QR code
Scan code to view the full recipe on your phone.
