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One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo - Quick Recipe

One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

This One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delicious and simple meal that brings together tender chicken, creamy orzo, and fresh spinach in a zesty lemon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make, with minimal cleanup required.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1- pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the orzo to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the pasta.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  6. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure to cook the chicken until browned for extra flavor.
  • Toasting the orzo adds a nutty depth to the dish.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference for tanginess.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.