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One-pan dinner! This Lemon-Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet is packed with zucchini, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.
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Lemon Orzo Chicken Skillet

One-pan dinner! This Lemon-Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet is packed with zucchini, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

For the Chicken & Seasoning

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Veggies & Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped

Liquid & Orzo

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Finishing Touches

  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional, for serving

Instructions 

  • Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. Toss the chicken pieces with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes, until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add Orzo & Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and orzo. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, 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.
  • Finish the Skillet: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the baby spinach until it wilts (this will take about 1-2 minutes).
  • Serve: Stir in the lemon juice and taste for seasoning (add more salt/pepper if needed). Garnish with fresh parsley/basil and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 447kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 121mg, Sodium: 1273mg, Potassium: 1268mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 4329IU, Vitamin C: 65mg, Calcium: 151mg, Iron: 5mg
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