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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-with-greens-recipe/