Easy Spring Dinner Recipe: Chicken Orzo with Spinach
One-pan chicken orzo with spinach finished with lemon and Parmesan. Creamy texture from broth and orzo starch, bright spring flavor, and a weeknight-friendly cook time.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil for searing
For the orzo
- 1/2 cup onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth more as needed
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 lemon zested and juiced (use about 1/2 for juice, to taste)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional finish for shine
Optional additions
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
- red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and rest.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add dry orzo and toast 1 minute, stirring. Pour in chicken broth and add oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and creamy. Add a splash of broth if it dries out too fast.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in spinach until wilted. Add lemon zest, lemon juice (to taste), and Parmesan. Stir gently and season as needed.
- Slice rested chicken and serve over the orzo. Garnish with parsley, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using.
Notes
For the creamiest texture, stir occasionally while the orzo simmers so the starch releases evenly. If the orzo thickens after resting, loosen with a splash of warm broth. For meal prep, add a squeeze of fresh lemon after reheating to bring the flavor back to life.