Description
Comforting Mediterranean “Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo” brings sunshine to your dinner table with rich, zesty flavors. Delicate pasta, tender chicken, and bright citrus notes combine for a quick, satisfying meal that welcomes you home.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 medium chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
Pasta and Liquid Base:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) heavy cream
Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach (packed)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium lemon (zested and juiced)
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Chopped Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by generously coating with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F, creating a golden exterior.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing, which helps retain moisture.
- Without cleaning the skillet, melt butter over medium heat to capture existing flavor remnants.
- Sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add minced garlic and remaining Italian seasoning, stirring quickly to prevent burning and develop aromatic flavors.
- Introduce orzo pasta to the skillet, toasting for 2 minutes to enhance nutty undertones and prevent clumping.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook orzo for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even absorption of liquid.
- Incorporate heavy cream, baby spinach, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice, creating a vibrant and creamy sauce.
- Stir until spinach wilts and sauce reaches a smooth, luxurious consistency, adjusting seasoning as desired.
- Arrange sliced chicken atop the creamy orzo, creating an appealing presentation.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley to add brightness and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while the dish is warm and flavors are at their peak.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown exterior with better flavor absorption.
- Gently toast orzo in butter to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for brighter, more vibrant citrus notes that elevate the entire dish.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-calorie alternatives.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the creamy, lemony profile.
- For gluten-free option, replace orzo with cauliflower rice or quinoa to maintain similar texture.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture and ensure tender, juicy meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg