Italian-Style Lemon Chicken Orzo

Tender chicken and orzo pasta simmered in a zesty lemon-herb broth with juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, creating a flavorful and quick one-pan meal.

• Prep: 10 min
• Cook: 20 min
• Total: 30 min
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Italian
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cost: $3.61/serving

Dietary

• High-Protein
• Nut-Free
• Soy-Free
• Egg-Free
• Low-Sugar

Tags

• one-pot
• sauté
• quick
• healthy
• savory
• fresh

Ingredients

• 1.25 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (medium, diced)
• 3 clove garlic (minced)
• 1.5 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.75 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 5 ounce fresh spinach
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)

Instructions

1. Season the cubed chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the diced yellow onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, uncooked orzo pasta, chicken broth, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the cooked chicken, fresh spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the chicken is heated through.
7. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before reheating can brighten the flavors.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 484
• Protein: 43.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50.3 g
• Fat: 11.9 g
• Fiber: 8.4 g
• Sodium: 1282 mg
• Saturated Fat: 1.7 g
• Sugar: 5.5 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg