Description
Greek-inspired lemon chicken orzo brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate. Zesty citrus, tender chicken, and creamy orzo create a harmonious dish that transports you to coastal Greece with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken
Grains and Pasta:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Liquid Components:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Seasonings:
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cooking Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Establish a flavorful base by warming olive oil and butter in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, creating a aromatic foundation for the upcoming dish.
- Introduce finely diced onions to the heated fat, allowing them to transform into a translucent, softened accompaniment that releases subtle sweetness and depth.
- Incorporate minced garlic and Italian seasoning alongside uncooked orzo, gently tossing to create a fragrant mixture that coats each pasta grain with robust herbal notes.
- Gradually combine chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and rich heavy cream, bringing the liquid to a gentle, rhythmic simmer that promises creamy texture and balanced flavors.
- Maintain a delicate cooking process, stirring periodically to prevent orzo from sticking and ensure even heat distribution, allowing the pasta to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender.
- Fold in pre-cooked, tender shredded chicken, integrating the protein seamlessly into the developing culinary landscape.
- Remove from heat and welcome grated Parmesan cheese and vibrant spinach leaves, which will melt and wilt respectively, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Allow the dish to rest briefly, permitting flavors to harmonize and sauce to achieve desired thickness.
- Finalize with a judicious seasoning of salt and pepper, tailoring the taste to personal preference before presenting this comforting, lemony creation.
Notes
- Elevate flavor by gently toasting orzo with aromatics before adding liquid, releasing nutty undertones and enhancing overall taste profile.
- Maintain gentle bubbling when cooking to ensure perfect pasta texture and prevent liquid from reducing too quickly.
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan for maximum melting potential and richer cheese flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
- Letting the dish rest after cooking allows spinach to wilt perfectly and helps sauce thicken naturally without overcooking.
- Opt for homemade or high-quality rotisserie chicken to boost the dish’s depth and ensure tender, well-seasoned protein.
- Adjust cream and broth quantities for desired consistency, understanding the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 659
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 675 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 136 mg