This Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo and Spinach is a light yet comforting one-pan dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh greens, and zesty lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a wholesome recipe that balances flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the cooked orzo, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook 2–3 minutes more, until spinach wilts and the flavors meld.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Variation
- Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for a richer flavor and extra tenderness.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
- Stir in a little cream or feta cheese at the end for a creamy, tangy finish.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo it should be tender but slightly firm for the best texture.
- Sear the chicken well before adding aromatics to lock in flavor.
- Add the spinach at the very end to keep it bright and fresh without over-wilting.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for extra greens.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine to complement the lemony flavors.
Tips
- Zest the lemon before juicing for maximum flavor without mess.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to brighten up the presentation.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the orzo from drying out. -
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, couscous, or even rice work well. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a little added liquid. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the optional cheese garnish and it’s naturally dairy-free.
Conclusion
This Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo and Spinach is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. With tender chicken, citrusy notes, and fresh greens, it’s a comforting and nourishing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
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Chicken Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo and Spinach is a light yet comforting one-pan dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh greens, and zesty lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a wholesome recipe that balances flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the cooked orzo, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook 2–3 minutes more, until spinach wilts and the flavors meld.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole-wheat orzo for added fiber and nutrition.
- Substitute kale or arugula for spinach if you prefer stronger greens.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for a creamier, cheesy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: chicken orzo, lemon chicken pasta, healthy chicken dinner