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Are you tired of preparing that boring old lemon chicken orzo? Twist your traditional recipe by adding flavorful baby spinach. With the lovely crunch of asparagus and zesty chicken flavor, this recipe will reflect your immense love for your family members. It will be a pleasant new addition to your menu loved by children and adults. And don’t worry about the caloric count. It is the best low-fat meal you can prepare in no time. So, let’s try this chicken asparagus and spinach orzo recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts diced
- 2 banana shallots sliced
- 120 g baby spinach cut finely
- 1 bunch of asparagus spears cut in fours
- 200 g Orzo
- 3 tbsp olive oil or (125 gram butter – change according to servings)
- 10 ml lemon juice
- 1 Lemon zest (finely cut)
- 2 cloves of garlic crushed
- 120 ml chicken stock
- 4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Dried parsley, oregano, and basil for garnish
How to Make Chicken Asparagus and Spinach Orzo?
- Heat 1 ½ tbsp olive oil or half of the butter in a large pan. Add the diced chicken along with salt and ground black pepper. Fry until the chicken is golden. Remove from the pan and keep aside.
- Add remaining oil or butter to the pan. Saute garlic. Add banana shallots and cook until they start to soften. Add orzo and give it a good mix. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring it to a boil. Reduce heat.
- Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cut asparagus stems. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.
- Add golden chicken, lemon zest, and juice. Add spinach, cover, and cook just enough to wilt the spinach.
- Add parmesan just before serving
- Garnish with dried parsley, oregano, and basil.
Expert Tips
- Freshness is the key, so always use fresh baby spinach leaves for the best taste.
- Use butter instead of olive oil if preparing for young, growing children.
- After garnishing with grated parmesan, heat it in the oven for 5 minutes to get a nice, golden top.
- Get creative with serving ideas. Prepare a side of noodles or rice to complete the meal.
How to Store Chicken Asparagus and Spinach Orzo?
Allow the Chicken Asparagus and Spinach Orzo Recipe to cool to room temperature before storing it. Store the recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you’re using a container, make sure it is large enough to hold the entire recipe to prevent the ingredients from drying out. Keep in mind that the longer you store the recipe, the softer the vegetables will become.
Can I Freeze Chicken Asparagus and Spinach Orzo?
You can freeze the Chicken Asparagus and Spinach Orzo Recipe for up to three months. Divide the recipe into single portions, so you can easily thaw and reheat them.
Place the portions in airtight freezer bags or containers that are safe for freezing. Label the containers with the date and contents.
To prevent the orzo from getting mushy, slightly undercook it before freezing. It is important to note that the texture of the vegetables may change when the recipe is frozen, but the flavor will remain intact.
How to Reheat Chicken Asparagus and Spinach Orzo?
To reheat the Chicken Asparagus and Spinach Orzo Recipe, take it out of the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. If using a stovetop, heat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a little bit of water or broth to the recipe to prevent it from drying out while reheating.
Can I replace asparagus with another vegetable?
Yes, you can. It is one of those experimental dishes you can customize according to individual liking. You can replace asparagus with green peas, kale, broccoli, or radish pods. Nit only asparagus; you can substitute chicken with shrimps to create an entirely different flavored British orzo.
Can I include this recipe in a low-fat diet?
Yes. If you cook this recipe in olive oil, it becomes an ideal dish for a low-fat menu. The lean cuts of chicken, asparagus, and spinach are low in calories but are nutrient-dense. They deliver the required calcium, Vitamins, and minerals to the body.
I do not have parmesan cheese! Can I skip this ingredient?
If your pantry is short of parmesan cheese at the moment, you can always use grated mozzarella cheese in small amounts. Nevertheless, skipping the cheese is always an option because it only adds to the excellent presentation of the recipe.
Chicken Asparagus and Spinach Orzo – Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts diced
- 2 banana shallots sliced
- 120 g baby spinach cut finely
- 1 bunch of asparagus spears cut in fours
- 200 g Orzo
- 3 tbsp olive oil or (125 gram butter – change according to servings)
- 10 ml lemon juice
- 1 Lemon zest (finely cut)
- 2 cloves of garlic crushed
- 120 ml chicken stock
- 4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Dried parsley, oregano, and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 ½ tbsp olive oil or half of the butter in a large pan. Add the diced chicken along with salt and ground black pepper. Fry until the chicken is golden. Remove from the pan and keep aside.
- Add remaining oil or butter to the pan. Saute garlic. Add banana shallots and cook until they start to soften. Add orzo and give it a good mix. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring it to a boil. Reduce heat.
- Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cut asparagus stems. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.
- Add golden chicken, lemon zest, and juice. Add spinach, cover, and cook just enough to wilt the spinach.
- Add parmesan just before serving
- Garnish with dried parsley, oregano, and basil.
Notes
- Freshness is the key, so always use fresh baby spinach leaves for the best taste.
- Use butter instead of olive oil if preparing for young, growing children.
- After garnishing with grated parmesan, heat it in the oven for 5 minutes to get a nice, golden top.
- Get creative with serving ideas. Prepare a side of noodles or rice to complete the meal.
