Lemon Chicken Orzo

Cambell Flynn
6 days ago
3 min read

When it comes to weeknight dinners, is there anything better than a dish that checks all the boxes for being satisfying, quick, and easy to prepare? Meet Lemon Chicken Orzo—a delightful mix of juicy chicken, small orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables that come together to create a light and refreshing meal. This dish shines on busy Thursdays when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Ingredients

To whip up this flavorful meal, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken: Choose 1.5 pounds of juicy, seasoned chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts will yield a leaner dish, while thighs add more flavor.
Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly, usually in about 8-10 minutes, and it absorbs the flavors of the broth beautifully.
Cottage Cheese and Milk: About 1/3 cup of cottage cheese and 1/4 cup of your choice of milk create a creamy base without the heaviness of heavy cream. Unsweetened almond milk is a great alternative.
Lemon: Two large, fresh lemon will provide bright juice and zest that elevates the dish.
Spinach and Zucchini: Using about 2 cups of spinach and 1 medium zucchini adds vibrant color and essential nutrients.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Aim for half a cup; their sweet and tangy flavor really complements the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Just a sprinkle of about 1/4 cup can add a savory finishing touch.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and a citrusy garlic spice blend. A popular one is Trader Joe's Citrus Garlic seasoning, which gives a zestful kick.

Cook the seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side. When the chicken is halfway cooked, take off heat and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over all chicken breast. This step not only boosts the flavor but helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Toasting the Orzo

In a skillet, toast 1 cup of orzo for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly golden.

Next, cover the orzo with 2.5 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Creating the Creamy Base

After the orzo reaches the perfect tenderness, it's time to add the creamy mixture. Blend 1/3 cup of cottage cheese and 1/4 cup of milk until smooth. This will replace the heavy cream, offering a lighter texture while maintaining creaminess.

Add the juice of one lemon along with the cottage cheese mixture to the orzo. Season with garlic, onion pepper, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring everything until well combined.

Adding the Vegetables

Next, add 1 diced zucchini to the pan and cover for about 3 minutes to allow it to soften without losing its bright color.

Once 3 minutes have passed, stir in 2 handfuls of fresh spinach, 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Cover the pan again for another 2-3 minutes to let the spinach wilt and the cheese melt into the dish.

Finally, add the chicken back to the pan, cover, and heat for an additional 5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken is heated through and imbued with the dish's wonderful flavors.

Final Touches

Once all the ingredients are combined, taste the orzo. You may want to adjust the flavors with a splash more lemon juice.

To serve, top each bowl with additional parmesan cheese for that extra burst of flavor. This Lemon Chicken Orzo is colorful, delicious, and packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome meal that your whole family will enjoy.

Enjoy!