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Lemon Chicken and Orzo

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A comforting dish featuring zesty lemon, savory chicken, and tender orzo pasta, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • Juice of 1–2 lemons (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and pre-chop the onions, garlic, and carrots.
  2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
  3. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear the chicken: Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add chopped onion, carrot, and a sprinkle of salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
  6. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  7. Incorporate the orzo: Add orzo to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Pour in the broth: Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and return chicken to the pot.
  9. Simmer until tender: Cover the pan and reduce heat, simmering for 10-12 minutes.
  10. Add spinach and lemon juice: Stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice until spinach wilts.
  11. Finishing touches: Remove from heat, stir in butter and chopped parsley, and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
  12. Taste test: Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Serve in wide, shallow bowls topped with fresh parsley and a slice of lemon. Leftovers freeze beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, Mediterranean recipe

Find it online: https://butteredtable.com/one-pan-lemon-chicken-orzo-30-minute-dinner/