Introduction
Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Lemony Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Dill! This dish is a delightful combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and bright lemon flavors, all brought together by the herbaceous notes of dill. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, too! Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this Lemony Chicken Orzo is a must-try.
Making Lemony Chicken Orzo: Step-by-Step
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Feta cheese for topping
Cooking Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to enhance the flavor of the orzo.
- Simmer in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Lemon and Spinach: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with feta cheese (optional).
Tips and Variations
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken. Simply add the cooked chicken in step 6.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Lemon Herb Orzo (Vegetarian): Omit the chicken for a delicious and flavorful vegetarian meal. Add some cannellini beans or chickpeas for added protein.
Why This Recipe Works
This Lemony Chicken Orzo recipe stands out because of its simplicity and vibrant flavors. The lemon juice and zest add a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken and herbaceous dill. The orzo pasta is a great alternative to rice, and the spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. It’s a complete and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize to your liking.
The key is to not overcook the orzo. You want it to be al dente, with a slight bite. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the lemon juice to your taste. Some people prefer a more tart flavor, while others prefer a milder flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This Lemony Chicken Orzo is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and antioxidants. Orzo provides carbohydrates for energy, and lemon juice offers vitamin C and aids in digestion. Dill is a good source of vitamin A and manganese.
Conclusion
This Lemony Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Dill is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With its bright lemon flavors, tender chicken, and fresh herbs, it’s a dish that will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. So, give this recipe a try and discover your new go-to weeknight meal! Enjoy!
