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There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal that comes together effortlessly, especially after a long day. As a food lover and a home cook, I find solace in the simplicity and heartiness of dishes like Garlic Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet. This dish isn’t just about the ingredients; it tells a story of quick weeknight dinners that feel special, cozy weekends spent in the kitchen, and the wonderful aromas that fill the air as everything cooks together.

Garlic Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet

Discover the joy of home cooking with this Garlic Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet, a comforting one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful orzo, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, it delivers a delightful blend of tastes and textures. Ready in about 30 minutes, it showcases the best of Mediterranean cuisine with aromatic herbs and simple ingredients. Elevate your dinner routine and enjoy a meal that warms the heart and soul!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

    Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

      Add Orzo & Broth: To the skillet, add the orzo pasta along with the dried oregano, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to stir and combine all ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

        Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Gently stir to combine everything, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.

            Finishing Touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skillet mixture and stir well to distribute the flavors. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve: Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Garlic Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings