One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

There's something magical about a one-pot meal that brings together succulent protein, aromatic flavors, and hearty carbs all in a single vessel. This One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Orzo with Spinach embodies the essence of Mediterranean comfort food, combining tender chicken with the bright zestiness of lemon and the nutty taste of toasted orzo. As everything simmers together, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts.

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This Mediterranean-inspired dish has roots in traditional Greek and Italian cooking, where orzo is often featured in hearty, one-pot meals. The addition of lemon brightens the rich flavors, while fresh spinach adds color, nutrition, and a pleasant earthiness that balances the creamy texture of the pasta. It's the kind of dish that feels both familiar and special at once—comfort food with an elegant twist.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Aromatics & Base: 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
• Orzo & Broth: 1½ cups (285 g) orzo pasta
• 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine (optional; sub with more broth)
• Vegetables & Finish: 4 cups (120 g) fresh baby spinach
• ⅓ cup (30 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare and sear the chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate (it doesn't need to be fully cooked through).

Build the aromatic base

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Toast and build the orzo base

Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice; bring to a gentle boil.

Simmer everything together

Return the chicken and any juices to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish the dish

Stir in the spinach and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes, until wilted and orzo is al dente. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to this dish is getting a good sear on your chicken at the beginning, which builds a foundation of flavor. Don't crowd the pan—work in batches if necessary. When toasting the orzo, keep it moving to ensure even browning without burning. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so if you prefer a saucier consistency, you may want to add a splash more broth before serving.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This versatile recipe welcomes many variations. For a Mediterranean twist, add halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta instead of Parmesan. Make it heartier with the addition of artichoke hearts or olives. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead, perhaps adding white beans for protein. If you enjoy heat, red pepper flakes make a wonderful addition to the aromatics stage.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this one-pot wonder in shallow bowls to capture all the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment. For a more substantial meal, add some crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with the same dry white wine you used in cooking—a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony notes perfectly.

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This One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Orzo embodies the beauty of thoughtful simplicity in cooking. With just one pot and less than an hour, you've created a dish that delivers complex flavors and satisfying textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's the kind of recipe that becomes a treasured part of your regular rotation—reliable enough for family dinners but special enough for gatherings with friends.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well—cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

→ Is it necessary to use white wine in the broth?

White wine is optional; you can substitute it with additional chicken broth without compromising flavor.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative for similar richness.

→ What can I substitute for fresh spinach?

Fresh kale or arugula can be used as alternatives and added at the same step as spinach.

→ How do I achieve creamy texture in the dish?

Stirring in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream before serving will enhance creaminess.