Lemon Chicken Orzo Bake

Partnered with herb-flecked chicken morsels and fresh vegetables, lemon-scented RiceSelect® Orzo turns into a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal.

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Serves
4
Total Time
50
Prep Time
5
Cook Time
45

Ingredients

  • null 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • null 1 tbsp salt
  • null 1 tbsp black pepper
  • null 2 tbsp olive oil
  • null 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • null 1 cup RiceSelect® Orzo
  • null 4 cups chicken broth
  • null Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • null 1 tsp dried oregano
  • null 1 tsp dried thyme
  • null 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • null 2 cups baby spinach
  • null 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • null Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then, add the orzo and stir for 1 minute. Add in chicken broth, lemon juice and lemon zest, oregano and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Return the chicken to the skillet, tucking it into the orzo mixture.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
  6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
  7. Broil for an additional 3 minutes to get a nice golden top.