One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo is a simple, flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With its creamy texture and zesty lemon notes, this recipe brings together savory chicken, tender orzo, and vibrant spinach—all in one pot! You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 470
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 51 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 540 mg
Why Make One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo
One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a wholesome choice for families. The combination of chicken and spinach provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins, while the orzo adds a comforting bite. Plus, the use of just one pot means less cleanup time, making it a practical option for those with busy lifestyles. This dish is versatile too—you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
How to Make One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo Step by Step
Ingredients
2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1⁄2 cups (285 g) uncooked orzo pasta
3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
1 cup (150 g) baby spinach leaves
1⁄2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
In a large skillet or pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy. Return the chicken to the pot and toss to coat. Adjust the seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Additionally, a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread would complement the meal nicely. For a refreshing touch, try serving it with lemon wedges on the side.
How to Store One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo
Leftover One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the orzo in single servings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken to ensure it browns nicely.
- Stir the orzo frequently as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or peas, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest based on your personal preference for citrus flavors.
- For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
Delicious Variations of One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo
For those who enjoy a little spice, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo. If you’d like a herbed version, mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma. Going meatless? Substitute the chicken with chickpeas and add extra vegetables for a delightful vegetarian twist.
Frequently Asked Questions about One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo
What can I substitute for orzo?
You can use any small pasta shape, like ditalini or couscous, in place of orzo.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it cooks through completely.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute water or vegetable broth, though chicken broth adds more flavor.
Conclusion
One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo is a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. Its ease of preparation and ability to be tailored to your preferences make it a must-try for any home cook. Give it a chance, and you’ll soon find it becoming a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 large lemon, juice and zest
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Return the chicken to the pot and toss to coat.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
