High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals

Lemon Chicken Orzo

Chicken

• 1kg (2.2lb) – Chicken Thighs, Boneless & Skinless
• 1 ½ Tbsp (22ml) – Olive Oil
• 2 tsp (6g) – Smoked Paprika
• 2 tsp (6g) – Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp (6g) – Onion Powder
• 1 tsp (1g) – Dried Oregano
• Salt & Pepper

Orzo And Sauce

• 1 Tbsp (15ml) – Olive Oil
• 1 – Brown Onion, Finely Diced
• 5 – Garlic Cloves, Finely Minced or Grated
• 400g (14oz) – Orzo (Risoni)
• 800ml (3 ⅓ Cups) – Chicken Stock
• 300ml (1 ¼ Cups) – Milk
• 60ml (¼ Cup) – Thickened Cream (Heavy Cream)
• 1 – Lemon, Zest
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) – Fresh Lemon Juice
• 40g (1.4oz) – Parmesan, Finely Grated
• Salt & Pepper

Greens

• 120g (4.2oz) – Baby Spinach
• 120g (4.2oz) – Frozen Peas

Cook the chicken

• Place the chicken thighs in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Heat a large pan over medium-high to high heat and sear the chicken 6–8 minutes, until deeply golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.

Build the base

• Lower the heat to medium, add the olive oil to the same pan and cook the diced onion 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook the orzo

• Add the orzo and stir to coat in the onion and garlic, cooking 1 minute. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring every 30–40 seconds, until the orzo is just tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Make it creamy

• Reduce heat to low, stir in the milk and cream and warm 2–3 minutes without boiling. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan until melted and glossy. Season to taste.

Add the greens

• Fold through the baby spinach and frozen peas while the orzo is hot. Residual heat will wilt the spinach and warm the peas without overcooking.

Finish and portion

• Slice the rested chicken into large pieces and fold into the orzo. Divide evenly into five 750ml containers, ensuring each portion has a balanced amount of chicken, sauce and greens. Let cool before sealing and refrigerating.