One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken (Printable)

A comforting meal with lemon, garlic, tender chicken, orzo, and fresh spinach in a single pot.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Aromatics & Base

04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 3 tbsp lemon juice

→ Orzo & Broth

09 - 1.5 cups orzo pasta
10 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 0.5 cup dry white wine, optional

→ Vegetables & Finish

12 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach
13 - 0.33 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
15 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Season chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate; it does not need to be fully cooked through.
03 - In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat with oil.
05 - Pour in white wine if using, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let simmer for 1 minute.
06 - Add chicken broth and lemon juice; bring to a gentle boil.
07 - Return seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Stir in fresh spinach and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes, until wilted and orzo reaches al dente texture.
09 - Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
10 - Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the orzo absorbs all those savory, lemony notes.
  • It's ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want something that tastes intentional.
  • The combination of tender chicken, creamy pasta, and fresh spinach feels restaurant-quality but comes together with straightforward techniques.
02 -
  • Don't skip the searing step even though you're making everything in one pot—that golden crust on the chicken carries flavor that boiling alone never creates.
  • Add the spinach at the very end; adding it earlier turns it dark and bitter, and you lose that fresh brightness that makes this dish feel special.
  • Taste before serving and adjust the lemon—some lemons are juicier or less acidic than others, and this dish is meant to be balanced, not puckering or bland.
03 -
  • If you want extra creaminess without making it heavy, stir in two tablespoons of heavy cream or a splash of pasta water right before serving.
  • The quality of your lemon matters more than you'd expect—a truly fresh, juicy lemon will make this dish taste noticeably brighter than a tired one that's been in your produce drawer too long.
Go Back