One Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo

Name: One Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons); 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: September 27, 2025

by Lionel Ramon

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The vibrant flavors shine through with every bite, appealing visually as well
You can easily customize it by adding seasonal vegetables or herbs based on your taste preferences
The best part?
It all cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup!

Sharing this dish always brings smiles around the dinner table as everyone savors the deliciousness together.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 breasts for a hearty meal that can be adjusted for any gathering.
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the dish.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor; bottled just doesn’t cut it!
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; minced finely ensures it melds beautifully into the dish.
Spinach or Kale: Add greens for nutrition; they wilt nicely and brighten up your meal.
Olive Oil: A splash of high-quality olive oil elevates your dish’s richness.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds warmth; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all other flavors into harmony.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. festive cheese ball recipe.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the pot. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.

Add Aromatics: Once chicken is browned, add minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—because who can resist that garlicky goodness wafting through their kitchen? For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen recipe.

Incorporate Orzo and Liquid : Pour in dry orzo along with chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together while ensuring no orzo clumps stick at the bottom.

Cook Until Tender : Bring mixture to a gentle boil; then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer until orzo is al dente—about 10-12 minutes—stirring occasionally so nothing gets too cozy on the bottom.

Add Greens : When orzo is nearly cooked through, toss in spinach or kale. These greens will wilt beautifully within a few minutes while adding nutrients without sacrificing flavor.

Finish with Flavors : Taste for seasoning before serving; add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if desired. Drizzle with additional lemon juice for an extra zing!

Now you have a delightful One Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo ready to be devoured! Enjoy this colorful dish knowing that each forkful brings smiles and satisfaction along with its deliciousness. delicious vegan pound cake.

You Must Know

This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook the orzo with broth for a rich finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap orzo for quinoa or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on low heat.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use a good quality chicken broth for deeper flavor; fresh herbs elevate this dish tremendously
Ensure chicken is cut evenly for consistent cooking
Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens every bite!

Sharing this recipe reminds me of a dinner party where my friends begged for seconds and thirds. Their laughter filled the room, and I realized how food brings people together.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for One Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo?

Using frozen chicken is fine; just ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.

How can I make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give it a nice kick.

Is there a vegetarian version of One Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo?

Yes! Swap chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For more inspiration, check out this Moroccan Chickpea Couscous recipe.

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