Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delightful blend of flavors with juicy chicken, creamy orzo, and zesty lemons. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish is not only easy to prep but also provides a hearty meal that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
- 1 large (12 ounces) chicken breast or tenders, diced to 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2-1/4 cups whole milk
- 1-1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese divided
- 3 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach
- 2 large lemons (1 tbsp zest and 1/4 cup juice)
- 1 teaspoon dijon-style mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Measure the milk and set it aside to reach room temperature. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the chicken into 1/2-inch pieces. Coarsely chop the spinach.
- In a large nonstick pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 5–7 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with foil, and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute. Add the Italian seasoning, then gradually whisk in the chicken stock followed by the milk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta.
- Increase the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring frequently. The orzo should be nearly tender and the mixture still slightly soupy.
- Incorporate the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, 3/4 cup of parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard if desired, and the lemon zest and juice into the pot. Stir until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- The final texture should be creamy like risotto. If it's too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency. Serve hot, topped with the remaining parmesan cheese.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth.
Spinach can be replaced with kale or your favorite leafy green for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg