Lemon Chicken, Spinach, and Orzo Skillet

Makes 4 servings

This one-pan meal uses orzo, chicken, and spinach with lemon for a bright finish. Keep the chicken pieces similar in size so they cook evenly, and use a food thermometer rather than color alone to check doneness.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced, optional
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 2 1/2 cups lower-sodium chicken broth or water
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Black pepper to taste
• 3 cups baby spinach
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, optional
• Chopped parsley, optional

Method

1. Heat oil in a large lidded skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic if using and stir briefly.

2. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook, turning, until the surfaces are no longer pink. Transfer chicken to a clean plate; it will finish cooking later.

3. Stir orzo, broth, oregano, and pepper into the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook according to the orzo package time, stirring once or twice so it does not stick.

4. Return the chicken and any juices to the pan. Simmer until the thickest chicken pieces reach 165 degrees F on a food thermometer.

5. Stir in spinach until wilted. Finish with lemon zest and juice. Add Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Flexible swaps and leftovers

Use kale in place of spinach and allow extra time for it to soften. Add a little broth if the pan gets dry before the orzo is tender. Keep raw chicken and its juices separate from ready-to-eat ingredients, wash hands and utensils, and refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers. Reheat leftovers thoroughly.

Sources and further reading

• Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures
• 4 Steps to Food Safety

Health disclaimer

This article is for general education only. Its information and suggestions are not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and may not be right for everyone. Ask a qualified health professional for advice that fits your health, medications, and needs before changing your diet, exercise, supplement use, or care.