Chicken and orzo with spinach is a comforting and delicious recipe that is perfect for any day of the week. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, savory orzo, and nutritious spinach for a hearty and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup orzo
- 2 6-8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed and pounded if necessary)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp. minced fresh oregano (1/4 tsp. for dried oregano)
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
- 4 ounces baby spinach
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
Instructions
- Toast orzo in 10 inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to bowl.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in the now empty skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Brown chicken lightly 3-4 minutes per side, transfer to plate.
- Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil, garlic, oregano, and pepper flakes to now empty skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth and toasted orzo.
- Nestle browned chicken into orzo, add any accumulated juices, and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until chicken registers 160 degrees, 10 to 12 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through cooking. Transfer chicken to serving platter, brushing any orzo that sticks to the chicken back into the skillet, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
- Continue to cook orzo until al dente and creamy, 2 to 5 minutes, stirring in additional broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed to loosen consistency. Stir in spinach, 1 handful at a time, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in feta and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chicken with orzo.
Overall, this chicken and orzo with spinach recipe is a great option for anyone looking for a simple and tasty meal that is both healthy and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious and nourishing dish that everyone will love.
Original recipe from The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook.