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30-Minute Creamy One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

Close-up of creamy lemon chicken orzo mixed with spinach, topped with four pieces of perfectly seared chicken.
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Make this quick, creamy lemon chicken orzo in one pot for an easy weeknight dinner. It features tender chicken, bright lemon flavor, and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  9. Serve immediately for a creamy lemon chicken orzo dinner.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • If the orzo seems too thick before it is fully cooked, add broth, 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  • This dish reheats well, but you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe/