Spoon Simple
Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Tender chicken and orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful lemon-herb broth with spinach and feta. This one-skillet meal is a satisfying and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Prep 15 min
Cook 30 min
Total 45 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Skillet
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Sear Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- 2
Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Toast Orzo and Add Liquids
Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- 4
Simmer and Cook Orzo
Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 5
Wilt Spinach and Add Feta
Stir in the fresh spinach and lemon zest. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat, stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 6
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition per serving: 570 cal · 45g protein · 40g carbs · 25g fat · 5g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
