Description
Zesty lemon chicken orzo brings Mediterranean sunshine to weeknight dinners with its bright, herbal flavors. Creamy orzo and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Starches and Pasta:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic, uncooked orzo, and selected seasonings to the skillet, gently toasting ingredients until orzo develops a light golden hue and becomes fragrant.
- Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the skillet, stirring to combine and ensure even distribution of liquids.
- Reduce heat to low, allowing mixture to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent orzo from sticking and ensure consistent cooking.
- Fold pre-cooked, shredded chicken into the creamy orzo mixture, ensuring even integration and allowing chicken to warm through completely.
- Remove skillet from heat, immediately incorporate fresh spinach leaves and grated parmesan cheese, covering the pan to allow residual heat to wilt spinach.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice as needed, ensuring a balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
- Serve immediately while orzo remains creamy and spinach is delicately wilted, garnishing with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Select tender chicken breasts or thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Toast orzo carefully to enhance nutty undertones without burning the grains.
- Consider using low-sodium broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning.
- Replace dairy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 34 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg