Lemon Chicken with Orzo

4 servings

45 minutes

Lemon chicken with orzo is a dish where the simplicity of ingredients meets rich, refined flavor. This recipe, rooted in Jewish cuisine, features a harmony of aromas: tender chicken thighs infused with lemon freshness combine with silky orzo pasta enriched with creamy Dijon mustard and Parmesan sauce. Herbs like thyme and rosemary add spicy depth, while spinach brings lightness and balance. Chicken broth enriches the taste, and cream adds velvetiness. Lemon provides a finishing touch of freshness that highlights the richness of textures. This dish is perfect for a family dinner; it warms and delights with its sophistication while remaining cozy and homely.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 670.7
• Proteins: 48.3g
• Fats: 30.7g
• Carbohydrates: 49.7g

Ingredients

• Chicken thigh fillet: 700 g
• Butter: 40 g
• Onion: 1 head
• Garlic: 3 clove
• Thyme: 3 sprig
• Rosemary: 1 sprig
• Wheat flour: 2 tbsp
• Chicken broth: 750 ml
• Dijon mustard: 8 g
• Orzo pasta: 200 g
• Spinach: 100 g
• Parmesan cheese: 70 g
• Cream 33%: 70 ml
• Lemon: 1 pc
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Prepare all the ingredients.

2. Finely chop the onion and garlic.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 head
   • Garlic: 3 cloves

3. Remove the leaves from the stems of thyme and rosemary and chop them.

   Required ingredients:

   • Thyme: 3 sprigs
   • Rosemary: 1 sprig

4. Rub the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken thigh fillet: 700 g
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste

5. Melt butter in a thick-walled pot and fry the chicken until golden brown. It's better to do this in parts for better browning. Transfer the meat to a clean dish.

   Required ingredients:

   • Butter: 40 g
   • Chicken thigh fillet: 700 g

6. In the same pot, sauté the onion until soft.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 head

7. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and fry for another minute.

   Required ingredients:

   • Garlic: 3 cloves
   • Thyme: 3 sprigs
   • Rosemary: 1 sprig

8. Add flour and fry until light brown.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 2 tablespoons

9. Add mustard and chicken broth, mix well.

   Required ingredients:

   • Dijon mustard: 8 g
   • Chicken broth: 750 ml

10. Add orzo, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

    Required ingredients:

    • Orzo pasta: 200 g
    • Salt:  to taste
    • Ground black pepper:  to taste

11. Add spinach, cream, grated parmesan, lemon zest and juice. Simmer until ready, stirring occasionally.

    Required ingredients:

    • Spinach: 100 g
    • Cream 33%: 70 ml
    • Parmesan cheese: 70 g
    • Lemon: 1 piece

12. Place the chicken over the cooked orzo, cover with a lid, and heat for 5 minutes.

    Required ingredients:

    • Chicken thigh fillet: 700 g

13. Serve the lemon chicken with orzo immediately.