Save This One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Orzo is the ultimate weeknight savior, blending vibrant Mediterranean flavors into a comforting, cohesive meal. With tender chicken, zesty citrus, and creamy pasta all prepared in a single pan, it promises a high-quality dining experience with minimal cleanup.
Save The secret to this dish is the way the orzo toasts in the pan before absorbing the savory chicken broth and white wine. This process creates a silky, risotto-like texture that perfectly coats every bite of chicken and spinach.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Aromatics & Base: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 4 cloves garlic, minced, zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- Orzo & Broth: 1½ cups (285 g) orzo pasta, 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine (optional; sub with more broth)
- Vegetables & Finish: 4 cups (120 g) fresh baby spinach, ⅓ cup (30 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Step 2
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate (it doesn't need to be fully cooked through).
- Step 3
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 5
- Pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
- Step 6
- Add the chicken broth and lemon juice; bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 7
- Return the chicken and any juices to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 8
- Stir in the spinach and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes, until wilted and orzo is al dente.
- Step 9
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
- Step 10
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, avoid overcooking the orzo; it should be al dente when you remove the skillet from the heat. For an extra touch of indulgence, stirring in two tablespoons of heavy cream just before serving adds a lovely velvetiness to the sauce.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer different greens, kale or arugula can be substituted for the baby spinach. To make the dish gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free orzo or replace it with long-grain rice, adjusting the liquid and cooking time as needed.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish directly from the skillet for a rustic feel. Garnish each portion with a fresh squeeze of lemon and a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the zesty and savory notes.
Save Whether you are cooking for a busy family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Orzo is a reliable and delicious choice that brings a bright spark to your dinner table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well in this dish. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions. Breasts may cook slightly faster than thighs, so adjust cooking time as needed to prevent drying.
- → What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
For gluten-free options, use rice, quinoa, or gluten-free small pasta shapes. Alternately, small pasta like stelline, acini di pepe, or even broken spaghetti pieces work as substitutes.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo will absorb more liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish remains delicious and creamy from the orzo and broth, with plenty of flavor from the lemon and garlic.
- → What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes. Add hearty greens like kale a few minutes earlier to ensure they wilt properly. Tender greens like arugula can be added in the last minute.