Lemon Chicken Orzo with Greens Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Lemon Chicken Orzo Greens recipe is a bright, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and nutritious greens with creamy orzo pasta. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both fresh and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or your choice of greens)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the cubed chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
4. Step 4: Add the uncooked orzo pasta, mixing well with the chicken and onions.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure all ingredients are submerged.
6. Step 6: Stir in the dried oregano, lemon zest, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
8. Step 8: Fold in the fresh spinach and lemon juice, cooking for another 2 minutes until the greens wilt.
9. Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of crema or Greek yogurt just before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, just thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the fridge and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Lemon Chicken Orzo with Greens Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

This Ultimate Lemon Chicken Orzo Greens recipe is a comforting and bright one-pot meal featuring tender cubed chicken, nutritious greens, and tender orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful lemon-infused chicken broth. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it combines fresh spinach, garlic, and lemon zest to create a vibrant dish that’s both easy to make and delicious.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 cups fresh spinach (or your choice of greens)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Garnish

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add cubed chicken to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Add Veggies: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
4. Stir in Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the pot, mixing well with the chicken and onions.
5. Pour in Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
6. Season: Stir in oregano, lemon zest, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
8. Add Greens: Fold in the fresh spinach and lemon juice, cooking for another 2 minutes until the greens wilt.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve Hot: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
• To make it dairy-free and gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth and orzo pasta meet dietary requirements.
• Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor if desired.

Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo pasta, spinach, one-pot meal, healthy chicken recipe, quick dinner, Mediterranean chicken