Go Back
For this Lemon Chicken Orzo, you need a few main items: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium) - 1 cup spinach, chopped These ingredients form the heart of the dish. Chicken adds protein, while orzo gives a nice texture. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Next, let's boost the flavor: - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano Onion and garlic create a strong base. Lemon adds a bright taste, while oregano gives an earthy touch. Together, they make each bite pop. Finally, we need some seasoning and garnish: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or basil) Olive oil helps with cooking and adds richness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh herbs on top make the dish look pretty and fresh. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Next, finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the spinach. Zest and juice the lemon. Fresh lemon gives the dish a bright taste. Make sure to have everything ready before you cook. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to be soft and clear. Next, stir in the minced garlic for one minute. This makes your kitchen smell amazing. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Cook until the chicken turns brown on all sides, which takes about 5-6 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo pasta and lemon juice. Bring this mix to a gentle boil. After that, lower the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. This lets the orzo cook and soak up the broth. After the orzo is tender, add the cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Stir everything together and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt nicely. Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the lemon zest for added flavor. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Let your Lemon Chicken Orzo rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Serve it in bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs. A lemon wedge on the side adds a nice touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To brown chicken well, use medium-high heat. This helps to seal in the juices. Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This way, they cook quickly and evenly. Add salt and pepper before cooking. It adds flavor right away. For cooking orzo, use plenty of broth. This keeps the pasta moist and tasty. Stir the orzo as it cooks. This prevents it from sticking to the pot. You can change up the seasonings for new tastes. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or dill. They add a fresh twist. If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a richer flavor, use garlic powder or onion powder. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese. This gives a creamy texture and extra flavor. To serve Lemon Chicken Orzo beautifully, use deep bowls. This keeps the dish warm and looks nice. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top. This adds color and a fresh aroma. A lemon wedge on the side makes it pop. You can also drizzle a little olive oil for shine. These small touches make your dish look professional and inviting. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for organic, free-range chicken for a more flavorful and tender result. Cook Orzo Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the orzo; it should be tender but still firm to the bite for the best texture. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Using fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Adjust Lemon to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your preference for brightness; it can really elevate the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or turkey. For a vegan option, use chickpeas or tofu. Each swap brings a new taste and texture. Adjust cooking times as needed, especially with shrimp, which cooks fast. If you can’t find orzo, use other pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. You can also try grains like quinoa or farro. These choices change the bite and feel of the dish while keeping it hearty and filling. To mix up the flavor, add different herbs or spices. Fresh basil or dill gives a nice twist. For heat, try red pepper flakes or a bit of smoked paprika. Adding these new flavors can make the dish feel fresh and exciting every time you make it. To store leftovers, place Lemon Chicken Orzo in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing. This helps avoid condensation, which can make the dish soggy. You can freeze Lemon Chicken Orzo for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, you have a few options. You can use the microwave, stove, or oven. For the microwave, place the dish in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stove, add a splash of broth or water in a pot. Heat over low until warm. If using the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. Always stir well before serving to mix flavors. Yes, you can make Lemon Chicken Orzo ahead of time. This dish stores well in the fridge. Just let it cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Lemon Chicken Orzo is a complete meal, but sides can enhance your dinner. Here are some great ideas: - Green Salad: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds crunch. - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or asparagus roasted with olive oil pair well. - Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the broth. You can tell when orzo is cooked by its texture. It should be soft but still firm, often called "al dente." To check, taste a piece. If it is chewy and not mushy, it is perfect. Cooking usually takes about 10-12 minutes in simmering broth. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking. This blog post shows you how to make Lemon Chicken Orzo. We explored key ingredients like chicken, orzo, and fresh herbs. You learned the cooking steps and valuable tips to boost flavor and presentation. There are many ways to alter the recipe too, such as different proteins or pastas. In summary, this dish is easy, flexible, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!

Lemon Chicken Orzo Delight

A flavorful dish combining chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables with a zesty lemon twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 whole lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh herbs (parsley or basil)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano, cooking until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the orzo pasta and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest for a fresh zing. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.
  • Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side for an extra pop of flavor.
Keyword chicken, healthy, lemon, one-pot, orzo