Lemon Chicken Orzo (Printer-Friendly Layout)

One-pan wonder with juicy chicken, cheesy orzo, fresh lemon, spinach, and parmesan. Mediterranean flair, fuss-free and tasty.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
02 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - Juice from a whole lemon
05 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
06 - Zest from 1 lemon
07 - 3 garlic cloves, chopped fine
08 - 2 skinless chicken breasts or thighs, boneless

→ Orzo and Sauce

09 - 30 grams fresh spinach (if you like)
10 - 25 grams Parmesan, grated
11 - 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
12 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, ground
13 - 480 milliliters chicken broth
14 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
15 - 200 grams orzo

→ Garnish

16 - Fresh parsley, chopped up
17 - Red pepper flakes if you're into spicy

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - When you're done, pull the skillet off the heat for a minute. Toss on some chopped parsley, lemon bits, and extra chili flakes if you want a little heat. Dish it up right away.
02 - Mix in that lemon juice, let the butter melt, chuck in the Parmesan, and toss in the spinach if you want. Give it a minute or so for the greens to soften up.
03 - Slide the browned chicken back so it sits in with the cooking orzo. Pop on a lid and cook everything together about 10–12 minutes, making sure the orzo's soft and the chicken's cooked through.
04 - Toss in the rest of your oil and garlic to the same skillet. Stir around for half a minute till you smell the garlic. Pour in the orzo and move it around for another minute so it gets a bit toasty. Add broth, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and get it bubbling.
05 - Coat your chicken with Italian seasoning, some salt, and pepper. Pour a tablespoon oil into a big skillet and get it hot over medium-high. Pop in the chicken and cook around 3–4 minutes each side till it's nicely browned. Move the chicken out and keep it ready for later.

# Extra Tips and Tricks:

01 - Try using fresh Parmesan for more flavor, and squeeze the lemon juice right before it goes in for the best zing.

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