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
Scale
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.
