One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Orzo Simmer
Tender chicken thighs simmered with orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a bright lemon-garlic broth for an easy, wholesome dinner. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 tbsp, fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta and 1 tsp dried oregano. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Step 4: Nestle the partially cooked chicken thighs back into the pot, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and orzo is creamy.
- Step 5: Stir in 4 cups baby spinach and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes until spinach is wilted and everything is heated through. Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Orzo Simmer take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Orzo Simmer?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Orzo Simmer?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Orzo Simmer for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Orzo Simmer?
Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
