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Ultra close-up macro of seared lemon herb chicken sliced over creamy spinach feta orzo pasta with charred lemons

One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Skillet

A vibrant Mediterranean dinner made completely in one skillet in under 30 minutes! Juicy, golden-seared herb chicken breasts nestled into a creamy bed of toasted orzo pasta simmered with fresh dill, oregano, tender baby spinach, and charred lemon slices, finished with salty crumbled feta cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 hearty dinner servings
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Seared Herb-Crusted Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts halved into cutlets for even cooking
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder and paprika
  • 1 tsp sea salt and black pepper divided
Lemon Herb Orzo Base
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta dry uncooked
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium shallot finely diced
  • 3 cups chicken bone broth halal certified, low-sodium
  • 1 large fresh lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 lemon lemon slices charred in skillet
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 3 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled

Method
 

Season & Sear Chicken
  1. Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with oregano, garlic powder, paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Sear lemon slices for 1 minute per side until caramelized. Transfer chicken and charred lemons to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Toast Orzo & Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the shallot for 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and dry orzo pasta.
  2. Stir continuously for 2 minutes, toasting the orzo in the chicken fond until lightly golden and nutty. Toasting locks in starch and prevents the orzo from becoming mushy!
Simmer Orzo to Creamy Perfection
  1. Pour in the chicken bone broth, fresh lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt, scraping up all the savory browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Wilt Spinach & Assemble Skillet
  1. Remove the lid and fold in the fresh baby spinach, fresh lemon zest, and chopped dill. Stir for 1 minute until the spinach is gently wilted and glossy.
  2. Slice the rested chicken breasts and nestle them back into the warm creamy orzo. Top with caramelized lemon wheels and crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with fresh dill and cracked pepper, and serve hot straight from the skillet!

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 42gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 820mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2250IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 190mgIron: 3.6mg

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