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

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

Build the base

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

Cook the orzo

• Add the orzo to the pan and stir to coat with the onion and garlic. Cook 1 minute, then pour in the chicken stock. Simmer gently for 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 for 2–3 minutes without boiling. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and fold in parmesan until glossy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add the greens

• While the orzo is hot, fold in the baby spinach and frozen peas. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and warm the peas without overcooking them.

Finish and portion

• Slice the rested chicken into large pieces and fold through the orzo. Divide evenly into five 750ml containers so each portion has chicken, orzo, sauce and greens. Cool before sealing and refrigerating.