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Lemon orzo chicken in pan with red spoon and orzo bag on side.
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Lemon Chicken Orzo

With the creamy texture of risotto but a much faster cook time and an easier method, this Lemon Chicken Orzo is a favorite family dinner. And it's versatile so you can adjust (and add veggies) as your family likes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 -6
Calories: 540kcal
Author: Amy Palanjian

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast (cut into strips)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 small yellow onion (peeled and minced)
  • 1 quart reduced sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth, warmed slightly)
  • 8 ounces orzo pasta
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 lemon (optional)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Use kitchen scissors to cut the chicken into bite-size pieces right into the pan. Top with oregano and salt, and cook for 4 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 160 degrees F with an instant read thermometer.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  • Return the pan to the heat and add the onion. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add the broth and 2 cups water, cover, and bring to a simmer.
  • Add the orzo and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the liquid is almost absorbed and the pasta is tender. Turn off the heat.
  • Stir in the Parmesan, cream, butter, spinach, and lemon juice and zest, if using. Add the chicken back to the pan and serve warm.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, sprinkle with water and cover with a damp paper towel or waxed paper. Warm in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until heated through.
  • Use peas in place of the spinach if you prefer.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper as you like.
  • Adults may enjoy this topped with crushed red pepper.
  • Use additional broth in place of the cream to make this dairy-free. Many people like nutritional yeast as a nondairy alternative to Parmesan cheese, too
 

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 624mg | Potassium: 943mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1728IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 3mg