Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant greens, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cups chopped kale (or spinach)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme (optional)
- Chopped basil (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs. Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Ensure that the spices coat the chicken well for maximum flavor.
- Cook the chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic. In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma.
- Add the orzo. Next, stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it combines well with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Create the creamy sauce. To make the dish creamy, stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well and allow the sauce to warm through for a couple of minutes.
- Incorporate the greens. Fold in the chopped kale or spinach, letting it wilt for about 2-3 minutes. This will add a lovely color and nutritious element to your dish.
- Combine everything. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix it back into the skillet with the orzo. Add the grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Stir everything until well combined.
- Garnish and serve. If you wish, garnish your dish with fresh thyme, chopped basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy lemon chicken with orzo greens!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, lemon chicken, orzo, comfort food, family dinner