Description
This one-pot lemon chicken and orzo is the 30-minute dinner miracle that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen! Creamy, zesty, and so comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1½ cups (300g) uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium lemons (1 juiced and zested, 1 sliced for garnish)
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add dry orzo to the pot and stir to coat. Toast for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden. Pour in ¼ cup of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add remaining chicken broth, dried thyme, juice of one lemon, and half the lemon zest. Return chicken and accumulated juices to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cherry tomatoes and simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes until orzo is tender and chicken reaches 165°F. Stir in spinach and let wilt for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in fresh dill, Parmesan cheese, remaining lemon zest, and additional lemon juice to taste.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh dill, lemon slices, and Parmesan cheese.