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One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo with Peas and Spinach

Served over silky, lemony orzo, this easy, one-pan-dinner of oregano-scented chicken with peas and spinach has an undeniably springy essence. It’s a complete meal with protein, sauce, carb, and vegetable all in one pan. The trick to nailing it is the sequence of the cooking steps. Searing the chicken first establishes a fond of flavor in the pan which infuses the orzo and everything else.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 500 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • 3-4 (about 1 1/2 pounds) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cups peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 2/3 cup whole milk, plus more if needed
  • 2 cups baby spinach

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Season the chicken. Dry the chicken breasts well using paper towels, then season on both sides with salt, pepper and dried oregano.
  2. Sear the chicken: In a large saute pan with high sides and a lid, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium-high. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and sear, flipping until well-browned, about 3 minutes per side (the chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point). Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a rimmed plate.
  3. Saute the onion: Drop the heat on the pan to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, along with onion. Saute until the onion is beginning to brown, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic.
  4. Cook the orzo: Add the orzo and stir until it’s lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping to release the brown bits stuck to the pan. Raise the heat to bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, stir and reduce heat to medium-low.
  5. Braise the chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, along with any accumulated juices. Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, the orzo is al dente, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, about 5 minutes.
  6. Rest the chicken and cook peas: Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pan and allow to rest on a cutting board. Stir the peas and milk into orzo, season with salt and pepper and cover again, cooking just until peas are tender, about 3 minutes (or 4 minutes if you’re using frozen peas). Remove the lid, stir in baby spinach and cover just until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir to combine. If the orzo is looking dry or sticky, stir in another tablespoon or two of milk.
  7. Slice the chicken and serve. Cut the chicken breasts crosswise into strips. Spoon the orzo mixture onto your serving plates and top with the chicken. Sprinkle the lemon zest over top and serve immediately.

Notes

  • to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including the
  • olive oil
  • oregano
  • used in this recipe.
  • There's no need to defrost the peas ahead of time, if you're using frozen ones.
  • You can definitely substitute a rice or corn-based gluten-free orzo pasta instead, but steer clear of legume-based pastas for this. Their starch profile may not cook up the same way grain-based pastas do.
  • Shop this recipe: Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including the olive oil and oregano used in this recipe.
  • There's no need to defrost the peas ahead of time, if you're using frozen ones.
  • Make it gluten-free: You can definitely substitute a rice or corn-based gluten-free orzo pasta instead, but steer clear of legume-based pastas for this. Their starch profile may not cook up the same way grain-based pastas do.

Nutrition Information

Calories 500kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 44.3g (15%) Protein 47.7g (95%) Fat 13.8g (21%) Saturated Fat 2.9g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g Monounsaturated Fat 6.8g Trans Fat 0.02g Cholesterol 115.5mg (39%) Sodium 558.9mg (23%) Potassium 1096.7mg (31%) Fiber 6.2g (25%) Sugar 8.7g (17%) Vitamin A 2080.5IU (42%) Vitamin C 37.8mg (42%) Calcium 112mg (11%) Iron 2.8mg (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 500

% Daily Value*

Calories 500kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 44.3g 15%
Protein 47.7g 95%
Fat 13.8g 21%
Saturated Fat 2.9g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g 11%
Monounsaturated Fat 6.8g 34%
Trans Fat 0.02g 1%
Cholesterol 115.5mg 39%
Sodium 558.9mg 23%
Potassium 1096.7mg 23%
Fiber 6.2g 25%
Sugar 8.7g 17%
Vitamin A 2080.5IU 42%
Vitamin C 37.8mg 42%
Calcium 112mg 11%
Iron 2.8mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.