Introduction
This delicious creamy lemon chicken orzo dish is a perfect weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a rich and creamy sauce. The addition of lemon zest and juice brightens the dish, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying recipe that your family will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 cups fresh spinach
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Enjoy this creamy lemon chicken orzo as a hearty main dish for dinner, or make it your go-to for gatherings and family meals. The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress your guests and loved ones alike!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Season the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
Make the Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Incorporate the Spinach and Chicken
Add the fresh spinach and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Chicken Cooking Tips
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Orzo Cooking Note
Keep an eye on the orzo while it simmers to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Optional Variations
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Seasoning the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken, making it a delicious focal point of the dish.
Browning the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the seasoned chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Browning not only adds flavor but also contributes to the dish’s overall appearance.
Sautéing Aromatics
After removing the chicken, use the same skillet to sauté chopped onion until translucent, followed by minced garlic for an additional 30 seconds. This technique builds a flavorful base for the dish.
Toasting Orzo
Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta.
Simmering the Orzo
Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the orzo simmer until al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. This method ensures the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs rich flavors.
Making the Cream Sauce
Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the skillet. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined, creating a rich and decadent texture.
Incorporating Spinach and Chicken
Add fresh spinach and the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring until the spinach is wilted. This technique helps to keep the spinach vibrant while ensuring the chicken is warmed through.
Garnishing the Dish
Finish the dish by garnishing with chopped parsley before serving, adding a fresh touch and enhancing the visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like couscous, ditalini, or even rice.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a cashew cream as a non-dairy alternative to heavy cream.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add spice, consider adding red pepper flakes, pepper sauce, or even diced jalapeños when cooking the onions.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can include vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, sautéing them along with the onions.
Conclusion
This creamy lemon chicken orzo dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The tender chicken, al dente orzo, and fresh spinach come together in a comforting meal, enhanced by the richness of heavy cream and the brightness of lemon. This recipe is not only straightforward but also provides a wholesome and nourishing option for any weeknight dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Bake
Combine steamed broccoli with the chicken orzo mixture and bake with a breadcrumb topping for a delicious casserole.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo
Substitute shrimp for chicken, and use lime instead of lemon for a different coastal twist.
Pesto Orzo with Grilled Vegetables
Toss cooked orzo with homemade or store-bought pesto and add grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant dish.
One-Pot Mediterranean Orzo
Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the orzo during the cooking process for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Use the chicken orzo mixture to stuff halved bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
