Lemon Chicken & Orzo with Spinach: One Pan, 30 Minutes, 42 Grams of Protein

Why it works

One pan, thirty minutes, and dinner tastes like a Sunday supper. The chicken browns first so it stays golden, then the orzo toasts in that same pan and simmers in broth until it turns tender and creamy — no separate pot, no draining. A big handful of spinach wilts straight in, lemon zest and juice brighten the whole pan, and Parmesan melts it all together. At around 42 grams of protein a serving, it is the kind of weeknight dinner that actually fills you up.

The recipe

Ingredients

• 1½ lb chicken breast, diced
• 1½ cups orzo
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 big handfuls spinach
• 1 lemon (zest + juice)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley and olive oil

Steps

1. Brown the diced chicken in olive oil until cooked through; set aside.
2. In the same pan, toast orzo 1 min, add garlic, then pour in broth and simmer 8–10 min until the orzo is tender and creamy.
3. Stir in spinach until wilted, then lemon zest and juice, Parmesan, and the chicken; finish with parsley.

Here's the card — save it for next time:

Want the printable version? Get it here: https://easydadrecipes.com/recipes/lemon-chicken-orzo-with-spinach.html

Recipe inspiration: “Super Simple Dinners: Lemon Chicken + Orzo” reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcGy40ARohL/

— Dad

Here's the card — save it for next time:

Want the printable version? Get it here: Lemon Chicken & Orzo with Spinach

Credit: Super Simple Dinners: Lemon Chicken + Orzo reel

— Dad