There is nothing quite like the bright, fresh flavors found in this Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo with Spinach Recipe to lift your weeknight dinner game. It brings together juicy, lemon-kissed chicken, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant wilted spinach in a harmonious dish that’s bursting with color, texture, and sunshine on a plate. The addition of herbs like fresh parsley and thyme adds a garden-fresh aroma, while the subtle tang of feta cheese and sweet sun-dried tomatoes provide that irresistible Mediterranean twist. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a delicious way to turn simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and freshness in your Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo with Spinach Recipe. Each one plays a starring role, from the lemon’s bright zing to the creamy tang of feta and the earthiness of fresh herbs.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that absorbs the lemon herb marinade beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken while bringing a silky coating to the orzo and spinach.
- Lemon zest & juice: Provides fresh citrus brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses savory depth and warmth to the marinade and overall flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A classic herb that adds color and a subtle grassy note.
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): Lends an aromatic earthiness that complements the lemon and garlic.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.
- Orzo pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all the lovely flavors.
- Baby spinach: Adds vibrant green color and a tender, slightly earthy taste when wilted.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Brings creaminess with a slightly tangy edge that’s perfect for finishing the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds bursts of sweet, chewy umami.
How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Start by mixing olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the marinade. Coat your chicken breasts thoroughly and let them soak up those bright flavors for 15 to 30 minutes. This marinade not only seasons your chicken but also tenderizes it, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. When ready, grill or pan-sear the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until perfectly cooked through. Once done, slice the chicken into strips to make serving easy and elegant.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo Pasta
While the chicken marinates or cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your orzo pasta until al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The orzo will soak up all the subtle flavors when tossed later with olive oil, salt, and pepper, creating a luxurious base for your dish.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach into the Orzo
Drain the orzo and immediately stir in the baby spinach while it’s still warm. The gentle heat wilts the spinach just enough to soften its texture without losing its vibrant green color and tender bite. This step adds freshness and a healthy twist, balancing the dish with a nutrient-packed veggie component.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Divide the orzo and spinach mixture into serving bowls and top each portion generously with the sliced, lemon herb chicken. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top to add shine and additional flavor. This simple assembly brings all the components together for a beautiful, inviting plate.
Step 5: Add the Mediterranean Twist
For an extra burst of flavor and a Mediterranean flair, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over your dish. The salty tang of feta combined with the sweet chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes creates an exciting contrast that elevates the Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo with Spinach Recipe to another level.
Step 6: Meal Prep Tip
If you plan ahead, consider storing olive oil or any fresh dressing separately and drizzle it over the dish right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. This tip makes it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners during busy weeks.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color and a fresh citrus hit. You can also toss in a little cracked black pepper if you like a touch of heat. These simple garnishes make the dish look homey yet polished.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, or even a warm crusty bread to soak up any leftover olive oil and lemony juices. Keeping sides simple lets the main event—the lemon herb chicken and orzo—shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely presentation, serve the orzo and spinach as a bed on a wide platter and fan the chicken slices artfully on top. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle feta and sun-dried tomatoes just before serving. For an impressive dinner, add edible flowers or a dusting of smoked paprika for color and drama.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any olive oil or dressing separate to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze the chicken and orzo-spinach mixture separately in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep flavors and textures intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep the orzo moist. Avoid overheating to prevent the spinach from becoming mushy and the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh parsley or thyme isn’t available, dried herbs work great. Use about half the amount of dried herbs as fresh, since they tend to be more concentrated. They still provide lovely flavor with the lemon and garlic marinade.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free alternative, try using gluten-free orzo or substitute with quinoa or rice for a similar texture.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the chicken and add more veggies like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or chickpeas for protein. The lemony orzo and spinach base with feta is delicious on its own or with those additions.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While 15 to 30 minutes is ideal to infuse flavor without breaking down the chicken too much, you can marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Just avoid going much longer to keep the texture firm.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp, citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony, herbaceous notes perfectly. These wines won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the chicken and orzo.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels both comforting and bright, with Mediterranean charm and easy-to-find ingredients, this Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo with Spinach Recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining guests who appreciate fresh, vibrant flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
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Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo with Spinach recipe is a vibrant, healthy meal combining tender marinated chicken with flavorful orzo pasta and fresh baby spinach. Enhanced with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and optional Mediterranean touches of feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest & juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Orzo and Spinach:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with this marinade and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
- Cook Orzo: In a pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes). Drain the orzo and toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir fresh baby spinach into the warm orzo immediately after draining. The heat from the pasta will gently wilt the spinach within a minute or two.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide the orzo and spinach mixture evenly into serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced lemon herb chicken. Drizzle additional olive oil over the top for extra richness.
- Add Mediterranean Twist (Optional): Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of each serving for added flavor complexity and a Mediterranean flair.
- Meal Prep Tip: If preparing in advance, store the olive oil or dressing separately and drizzle just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for the full 30 minutes intensifies flavor but 15 minutes is enough if you’re short on time.
- Grilling adds a smoky flavor, but pan-searing works well and is more convenient.
- You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes if preferred.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers; reheat gently to keep chicken tender and spinach fresh.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the feta cheese.
