Easy One-Pot Paprika Lemon Chicken Orzo: Quick Weeknight Dinner!

Name: Easy One-Pot Paprika Lemon Chicken Orzo: Quick Weeknight Dinner!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 pieces Chicken Thighs (skinless & boneless); 10 ml Olive Oil; 4 cloves Garlic (crushed); 8 g Paprika; 1 small onion Brown Onion; 300 g Orzo Pasta; 800 ml Chicken Stock; 240 g Fresh Spinach; 35 g Parmesan (grated); 1 lemon Lemon (zest & juice); to taste pinch Salt; to taste pinch Black Pepper; to garnish slices Lemon Slices (for garnish); to garnish g Grated Parmesan (for garnish)

Discover how to make a flavorful and easy one-pot paprika lemon chicken orzo. This recipe features tender chicken thighs cooked with orzo pasta, fresh spinach, garlic, and a zesty lemon kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, serving 4.

#One-Pot

#Chicken

#Orzo

#Lemon

#Paprika

#Easy

#Dinner

#Weeknight Meal

One-Pot Paprika Lemon Chicken Orzo ready to serve

Recipe Information

15m

Prep Time

35m

Cook Time

50m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Mediterranean

English

Nutrition (per serving)

650

Calories

55g

Protein

50g

Carbs

25g

Fat

Mixing in fresh spinach, parmesan, and lemon

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Golden browned chicken thighs

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with olive oil, a pinch of salt and black pepper, two cloves of crushed garlic, and the paprika. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
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5m
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In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with olive oil, a pinch of salt and black pepper, two cloves of crushed garlic, and the paprika. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
5m
Ensure chicken is evenly coated for maximum flavor absorption. You can let it marinate for 15-30 minutes if time allows.
2
Heat a large pot or pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
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7m
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Heat a large pot or pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
7m
Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get a good sear and avoid steaming the chicken.

3
Add the chopped small brown onion to the same pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining 2 cloves of crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the chopped small brown onion to the same pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining 2 cloves of crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5m
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot while sautéing the onion; these add depth of flavor to your dish.
4
Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is cooked al dente.
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15m
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Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is cooked al dente.
15m
Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Ensure it doesn't dry out too much.
5
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach, grated Parmesan, and the zest and juice of one lemon. Cook for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach, grated Parmesan, and the zest and juice of one lemon. Cook for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5m
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten all the flavors.

6
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon slices and extra grated Parmesan. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon slices and extra grated Parmesan. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!
1m
This dish is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.