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To make the Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet, you will need: - 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional) - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional) You can add some optional ingredients to make this dish even better: - Extra lemon zest for a more vibrant flavor - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Sliced olives for a briny twist - Sun-dried tomatoes for a rich flavor - Feta cheese for a creamy touch If you can't find some ingredients, don't worry. Here are some good swaps: - Use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free option. - Swap chicken for turkey or shrimp for a different taste. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian dish. - Fresh herbs, like basil or dill, can replace dried herbs for a fresher taste. - Spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard. These options keep your dish fresh while still being tasty. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns soft, about 3-4 minutes. Next, mix in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook the chicken until it is browned and fully cooked, around 6-7 minutes. Once the chicken is ready, stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta along with the cooked onions. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, the zest, and juice of 1 lemon. Stir well and bring the mix to a gentle boil. When it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. This will help the orzo cook until it is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. If needed, add more broth or water to prevent sticking. After that, mix in 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach and optional 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, remove from heat and fold in 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. To get juicy chicken, use fresh chicken breast. Cut the chicken into small, even pieces for quicker cooking. Season it well with salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step keeps it moist and tender. The key to perfect orzo is timing. Keep an eye on it while it simmers. Stir the orzo occasionally to stop it from sticking. If it looks dry, add more broth or water. Taste the orzo to check for doneness. It should be firm but not hard, also known as al dente. To boost the flavor of your Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley and lemon zest add a bright taste. When cooking, add the lemon juice at the end. This keeps the flavor fresh and vibrant. You can also experiment with spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add warmth. Adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after browning the chicken can deepen the taste. Presentation brings joy to any meal. Serve your dish in wide bowls. This allows the colors to shine. Top with extra chopped parsley and lemon slices. It adds a pop of color. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy finish. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. This makes the dish look inviting and delicious. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it until it is just done to keep it juicy. Another mistake is not stirring the orzo enough. Stirring helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. Watch the liquid level too. If it gets too dry, add more broth or water. Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. This step ensures the dish is full of flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your dish significantly. If possible, substitute dried oregano and thyme with their fresh counterparts for a more vibrant taste. Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it simmers. Cooking it just until al dente will ensure it retains a pleasant texture and doesn’t turn mushy. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to swap out the spinach for other greens like kale or arugula. Each offers a unique flavor and texture to the dish. Add a Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet while cooking the chicken for an extra kick. {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish to fit your taste. Here are some fun add-ins: - Bell peppers: Add diced bell peppers for a sweet crunch. - Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor. - Zucchini: Shredded or diced zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. - Olives: Chopped olives give a salty kick. - Sun-dried tomatoes: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. These add-ins make your Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet unique. You can mix and match to create your favorite version! If you want to switch proteins, here are some great options: - Shrimp: Cook for about 3-4 minutes until pink and firm. - Tofu: Use firm tofu, cubed, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes. - Turkey: Ground turkey takes about 6-8 minutes to cook through. - Pork: Use bite-sized pork tenderloin, cooking for about 7-9 minutes. Each protein brings new flavor and texture to the dish. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed! This dish can easily cater to vegetarians and vegans. Here are some tips: - Leave out the chicken: Replace it with more veggies or tofu. - Use vegetable broth: This keeps the flavor rich without meat. - Add legumes: Chickpeas or lentils can boost protein and heartiness. - Skip the cheese: Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired. These changes keep the meal tasty and satisfying for everyone. Enjoy making it your own! To keep your Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This prevents moisture buildup. If you plan to eat it later, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can reheat just what you need. When stored properly, this dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it's better to toss it out. Always trust your senses. For reheating, the stovetop is best. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just cover it to keep the moisture in and heat until warm. Enjoy your meal again! You can pair this dish with a simple green salad. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. You might also enjoy crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce. Garlic bread works well here too. If you like, serve some roasted vegetables on the side. They add flavor and nutrition. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook it as the recipe says. Once it cools, store it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut a piece open. The meat should be white with no pink inside. If it’s still pink, cook it a bit longer. Always ensure your chicken is safe to eat. This blog post covered all you need for Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a tasty dish. You learned about options for customization and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking can be fun! Avoid simple mistakes, and trust your taste. You can create a meal that suits your style. Enjoy making this dish with family or friends. With practice, you will feel like a chef in your kitchen. Let your flavors shine and impress everyone with your cooking!

Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh herbs, all infused with lemon flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 lemon zest and juice of
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine with the chicken and onions.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If necessary, add more broth or water to prevent sticking.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes (if using), and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
  • Remove from heat and fold in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Serve the dish in bowls, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices for a vibrant touch. A side of crusty bread fits perfectly to soak up the delicious sauce!
Keyword chicken, lemon, one-pan meal, orzo, skillet