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Chicken spinach orzo with spinach and feta, garnished with fresh dill on a white plate.

Chicken Spinach Orzo

Greek Chicken Spinach Orzo is my spin on spanakorizo. The classic Greek spinach rice dish that has been on Mediterranean tables for centuries. Then topped with Seared boneless chicken thighs marinated in lemon, mustard, and garlic.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Orzo
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 612kcal
Author: Lola Jay

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 5 boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoon chicken bouillon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil for marinade
  • 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for searing

Orzo

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 shallots diced
  • 4 large garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups orzo
  • 3 cups chicken bone broth
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • cup fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tablespoon chicken bouillon
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • salt to taste

To Finish

  • 8 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
  • ½ cup chopped dill
  • ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled, plus more for garnish

Instructions 

Marinate and sear the chicken

  • In a large bowl combine the chicken bouillon, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken thighs and toss until every piece is evenly and generously coated. You can cook immediately or let it sit for up to 30 minutes for a deeper flavor.
    5 boneless chicken thighs, 2 teaspoon chicken bouillon, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
    Raw chicken thighs with seasoning in a white bowl on a wooden countertop.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until a deep golden crust develops on the bottom. The chicken will release naturally from the pan when it is ready to flip. If it is sticking it needs more time. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until golden on the other side and cooked through (170F). Remove and set aside on a plate to rest. Do not wipe the pan.
    3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for searing
    Chicken being cooked in a pan, with a piece held by tongs.

Build the orzo base

  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the olive oil to the same pan with all those flavorful drippings. Add the diced shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds stirring constantly so it does not burn.
    ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil for marinade, 2 shallots, 4 large garlic cloves
    Sautéing onions and garlic in a black skillet.
  • Add the orzo directly to the pan and stir to coat it in the oil and shallot base. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes stirring regularly until the orzo smells slightly nutty and looks lightly golden. This step adds a subtle depth to the final dish.
    2 cups orzo
    Close-up of orzo pasta in a pan.
  • Pour in the chicken bone broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken bouillon, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 8 minutes stirring every 2 to 3 minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 3 cups chicken bone broth, ½ tablespoon chicken bouillon, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
    Pouring broth into a pan of seasoned orzo pasta.

Add spinach and dill

  • Add the chopped spinach to the pan. If it does not all fit at once add it in two batches, letting the first batch wilt slightly before adding the rest. Add the fresh dill and stir everything together. Cook for 3 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted and the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. The dish should look loose and saucy, not dry.
    8 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped, ½ cup chopped dill
    Fresh spinach piled on cooking orzo pasta in a red pan.

Finish with feta

  • Add the crumbled feta and stir gently until it begins to melt slightly into the warm orzo. Taste and adjust salt, lemon, and pepper as needed. The feta is salty so taste before adding any extra salt.
    ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled, plus more for garnish, salt to taste
    Orzo pasta with spinach and crumbled feta in a pan, topped with grated cheese.

Serve

  • Slice the rested chicken thighs on a diagonal into strips. Spoon the spinach orzo into bowls and fan the sliced chicken over the top. Garnish with extra crumbled feta and a few sprigs of fresh dill. Serve immediately while the orzo is hot and saucy.
    Grilled chicken on orzo with spinach and feta cheese in a white bowl.
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Notes

Nutrition facts are only estimates.
Store the orzo and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will absorb remaining liquid as it sits and will be thicker when reheated. Add a generous splash of chicken broth and stir over medium low heat until loose and creamy again. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the air fryer at 375F for 5 minutes. Not recommended for freezing as the orzo texture suffers once frozen and thawed.

Nutrition

Calories: 612kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 476mg | Potassium: 820mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 4687IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 4mg
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