Garlic Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet
This Garlic Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet is a vibrant, comforting one-pan meal bursting with fresh lemon, garlic, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start by dicing 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Sauté until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Toast Orzo
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the pasta with the olive oil and garlic.
Add Broth and Cook Orzo
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the orzo cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it absorbs most of the broth and becomes tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Incorporate Lemon, Spinach, and Tomatoes
- Once the orzo is nearly done, stir in the lemon zest and juice from 1 lemon. Add 1 cup chopped spinach and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.
Combine Chicken and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Allow the skillet to heat through for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, comforting flavors of your Garlic Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Citrus zester or grater
- Ladle
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for easy meal prep.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- For gluten-free options, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
- To keep spinach vibrant and fresh, add it towards the end of cooking and wilt slightly.