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–+ servings
One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo for a Zesty Weeknight Delight

One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, combining chicken, orzo, and fresh ingredients in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast diced
For the Orzo
  • 1.5 cups Orzo
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth low-sodium recommended
For the Freshness
  • 2 whole Lemons zest and juice
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 4 cups Baby Spinach can substitute with arugula or kale
For Richness
  • 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese grated
For Garnishing
  • Fresh Herbs (Dill or Parsley) to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add diced chicken breast in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pot and set aside.
  3. Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and zest from 2 lemons. Bring to a boil for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1 ½ cups of orzo, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
  6. Return seared chicken and 4 cups of baby spinach to pot, squeezing in juice of the reserved lemons. Stir until spinach wilts.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, add lemon juice at the end. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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