Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a light and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, and orzo pasta, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, and juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in Parmesan cheese and baby spinach (if using). Cook until spinach wilts.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream or cream cheese.
- Can be made with leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.