One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo (Printer View)

A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, bright lemon, garlic, and creamy orzo finished with fresh spinach.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Aromatics & Base

04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ Orzo & Broth

09 - 1.5 cups orzo pasta
10 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 0.5 cup dry white wine, optional

→ Vegetables & Finish

12 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach
13 - 0.33 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
15 - Lemon wedges for serving

# Method Steps:

01 - Season chicken pieces generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate; chicken need not be fully cooked through at this stage.
03 - In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat with oil.
05 - Pour in white wine if using, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow to simmer for 1 minute.
06 - Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil.
07 - Return seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Stir in fresh spinach and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until wilted and orzo reaches al dente texture.
09 - Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
10 - Divide into bowls and serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner instead of scrubbing dishes.
  • The lemon and garlic create this bright, almost luxurious flavor that makes you feel like you're cooking something fancy when you're really just following simple steps.
  • It comes together in 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when hunger doesn't wait.
02 -
  • Don't skip the searing step—that golden crust on the chicken is where the flavor lives, and it only takes a few minutes but transforms the whole dish.
  • Taste as you go, especially with the lemon juice at the end, because the brightness is what makes this feel special, and everyone's palate is different.
03 -
  • Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven that can go from stovetop to table—it saves one more dish and keeps the food hotter longer while you're eating.
  • Don't be tempted to skip the lemon zest in favor of just juice; the zest carries oils that juice doesn't, and it's where some of the most vibrant flavor hides.
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