Description

This one-pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, fresh spinach, and bright lemon for a quick and nourishing weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups fresh spinach

1 tsp lemon zest

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley

salt and black pepper to taste

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked, then transfer to a plate.

3. Add onion to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant.

4. Add orzo and toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.

5. Pour in chicken broth, scrape up browned bits, return chicken to the skillet, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes until orzo is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.

6. Stir in spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice, adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs, and remove from heat.

7. If using, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the skillet before serving and let rest for a few minutes to absorb remaining liquid.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: main course
Method: one-pot
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 600
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 11
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 3
Protein: 30
Cholesterol: 85

Keywords: lemon chicken orzo skillet, comforting healthy dinner, dinner ideas with lemon, healthy dinner recipes one-pot meals, lemon orzo dish, lemon spinach