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FROM THE CLEAR SYNC KITCHEN / dinner

Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo

One-pan creamy orzo with golden chicken, spinach, and lemon

45 minutes12-inch deep skillet with lid + food thermometer + knifeMakes 4
Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo
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The ingredients

Ingredient review

Listed major allergens: Milk, Wheat. Check every package and your own requirements. This is not a cross-contact or allergy-safety certification.

Let’s make it

  1. 01

    Pound chicken to an even 0.75-inch thickness. Season with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp pepper.

  2. 02

    Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean board.

  3. 03

    In same skillet add remaining 1 tbsp butter and onion and cook 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and orzo and toast 2 minutes until lightly golden.

  4. 04

    Pour in chicken broth, remaining 0.5 tsp salt, and remaining 0.25 tsp pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add the measured water a little at a time if needed to keep the orzo loose while it cooks.

  5. 05

    Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and spinach until wilted.

  6. 06

    Slice chicken and return to pan. Sprinkle with parmesan and stir gently until creamy.

  7. 07

    Rest 3 minutes to thicken, then top with parsley and serve.

The finishing touch

Finish with the measured parsley and serve while the orzo is creamy.

Make tomorrow easier

Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen, heating to 165F. Sample recipe; not kitchen-tested. Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F). Use refrigerated cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days; freeze later-week portions. Reheat cooked leftovers to 165°F. Food storage guidance.

COULD SUPPORT YOUR FOOD GOALS

Toasted orzo turns creamy as it simmers, and lemon plus parmesan give the chicken and spinach a bright, savory sauce.

Meal balance

Chicken and spinach accompany pasta. Plan the orzo portion around your individual carbohydrate needs.

NIDDK · Meal planning and glucose ↗
These ingredient-based connections may fit goals you discuss with your clinician. They are not a tested effect of this recipe; nutrient totals and personal suitability still need review.
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