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🍋🌿 Flavor-Packed Lemon Chicken with Orzo

Bright, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this one-pan lemon chicken orzo is a weeknight favorite that feels elevated without the fuss. Finished with fresh spinach gently simmered into the sauce, it’s cozy, fresh, and completely crave-worthy.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 –3 cups fresh baby spinach

Method
 

  1. Season & sear the chicken
  2. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Toast the orzo
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the same skillet and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute.
  5. Simmer
  6. Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  7. Make it creamy
  8. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and glossy.
  9. Spinach finish (your signature move 🌿)
  10. Add spinach, stir, and let simmer 2–3 minutes until wilted and tender.
  11. Bring it together
  12. Nestle chicken back into the skillet, spoon sauce over top, and simmer 1–2 minutes to warm through

Notes

  • Finish with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon 🍋
  • Serve with roasted broccoli or a simple arugula salad
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully
  • Serve with True Foods Kitchen Copycat Caesar