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Creamy Lemon Chicken with Orzo Greens

Creamy Lemon Chicken with Orzo Greens: Easy Comfort Meal

Indulge in Creamy Lemon Chicken with Orzo Greens—a comforting dish with a rich, creamy sauce and vibrant greens, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Base
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
For the Sauce
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Greens and Finish
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh thyme optional
  • chopped basil optional
  • red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  3. Lower heat, add butter, sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. Stir in orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden brown.
  5. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Nestle seared chicken back in and top with chopped kale. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
  8. Finish with thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Customize the dish by swapping greens or adding your favorite herbs to enhance flavors.

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