Lemon Chicken Orzo
This delicious creamy lemon chicken orzo is the perfect weeknight meal! It's packed with bright and citrusy flavors, and it's creamy and cheesy.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 528kcal
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch thick evenly
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion small-diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach packed
- ¾ cup heavy cream plus more to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 medium lemon, plus more to taste zested and juiced
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Chopped Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with a few drizzles of olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Kosher salt (about ½ teaspoon per breast), and ground black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat a few generous drizzles of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken, about 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through in the center. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Then, sauté onions until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta for about 2 minutes, followed by the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 minutes.
- Once the orzo is tender, uncover and stir in the spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Finish with lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice (to taste).
- Serve with the sliced chicken on top, and garnish with lemon slices and Italian parsley.
Notes
- Do not overcook the orzo pasta. It only needs about 10 to 12 minutes, or it can get too soft and mushy.
- Remember to zest lemon before squeezing. I know I always forget!
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese is preferred for best texture. Pre-packaged cheese often contains starches that make it gritty.
- Storage: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Meal prep option: This dish reheats very well. Divide up into containers and keep refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave oven.
- Reheating: Place in a stovetop saucepan or microwave oven. If pasta is sticking together, splash some heavy cream to loosen up.
- Chicken breasts: Chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken.
- Baby spinach: Kale.
- Veggie add-ins: Peas, asparagus, broccoli, cherry tomatoes.
Nutrition
Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 750mg | Potassium: 576mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2389IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 2mg