Craving a meal that’s both incredibly comforting and bursting with fresh, bright flavors? Look no further than this sensational Easy One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta! Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces mingling with al dente orzo pasta, all coated in a zesty lemon sauce and vibrant fresh vegetables like spinach and grape tomatoes. This single-skillet wonder is designed for busy weeknights, special spring dinners, or any time you desire a homemade meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food, delivering a cozy experience while being remarkably quick to prepare – ready in just 30 minutes!
If you appreciate dishes that are fresh, intensely flavorful, and delightfully simple to create, this lemon chicken and orzo recipe is poised to become your new kitchen staple. Its one-skillet preparation makes it an absolute hero for those hectic evenings when you need a satisfying dinner but have limited time for cooking and cleanup. While it offers the same soul-warming satisfaction you’d expect from a traditional chicken and orzo bake, this stove-top version comes together in a fraction of the time, proving that incredible taste doesn’t always demand hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it took all day to make!
Looking to diversify your collection of effortless and delicious chicken recipes? We highly recommend exploring these fantastic options to keep your dinner rotation exciting:
- Classic Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders – A nostalgic, perfectly crispy, and incredibly easy dish that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Light and Lemony Chicken Piccata – A bright and zesty dish, reminiscent of the famous Cheesecake Factory version, offering a sophisticated yet simple meal.
These recipes offer a wonderful array of flavors and textures, ensuring your weeknight dinners remain exciting, varied, and thoroughly enjoyable for everyone at the table.
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Why You’ll Adore This Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Meal Solution: In today’s fast-paced world, finding a dinner recipe that’s both wholesome and quick is a true gem. This lemon chicken orzo pasta is exactly that! It’s designed to be ready in approximately 30 minutes – from the first chop to the final garnish. Forget complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients; this recipe relies on simple, fresh pantry staples. The beauty of this dish lies in its one-pan preparation, which not only streamlines the cooking process but also drastically reduces cleanup time, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when you still crave a hearty, homemade meal.
- Bursting with Bright, Refreshing Flavors: Prepare your taste buds for a truly delightful culinary experience. This dish masterfully balances the savory richness of perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with the tender, delicate bite of orzo. The star of the show is, of course, the fresh lemon juice, which infuses every component with a vibrant, zesty tang. Sweet grape tomatoes add natural bursts of flavor, while fresh baby spinach or kale introduces a hint of earthy freshness. The result is a harmonious symphony of tastes that feels both deeply comforting and wonderfully refreshing, making it a perfect meal for any season, particularly invigorating during spring and summer evenings.
- Incredibly Customizable and Perfect for Meal Prep: One of the standout features of this lemon chicken orzo recipe is its remarkable versatility. It serves as an excellent canvas for customization, allowing you to easily swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables, such as crisp asparagus spears, tender green beans, or colorful bell peppers – simply add them during the orzo cooking stage to ensure they reach desired tenderness. For an even richer flavor profile, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of tenderloins. Beyond its adaptability, this dish truly shines as a make-ahead option. Leftovers store beautifully and reheat perfectly, providing delicious and healthy lunches for the work week or a convenient second dinner option on another busy evening. It’s also an ideal recipe to double or triple if you enjoy having scrumptious, ready-to-eat meals readily available in your fridge!
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions
Crafting this delightful lemon chicken orzo pasta requires a few foundational ingredients, but don’t worry – we also have some fantastic substitution ideas to ensure you can whip up this meal even if your pantry isn’t fully stocked!
- Chicken Tenderloins: We recommend chicken tenderloins for their inherent tenderness and rapid cooking time. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an excellent substitute; simply slice them into uniform 1-inch strips or bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and optimal texture in every forkful. For a richer, more robust flavor and incredibly moist results, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, adjusting cooking time slightly.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter lends a beautiful richness and helps to achieve that golden sear on the chicken. If you’re using salted butter, remember to taste the dish before adding any extra salt, as you might need to adjust the seasoning to prevent it from becoming overly salty. For a dairy-free or lighter option, high-quality olive oil works wonderfully, imparting a bright, Mediterranean essence that complements the lemon.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is used to lightly coat the chicken, creating a delicate crust during searing and contributing a subtle thickening to the pan sauce. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be substituted seamlessly.
- Garlic Powder & Lemon Pepper Seasoning: These dry seasonings are foundational for building the initial flavor profile of the chicken. Garlic powder provides an essential aromatic base, while lemon pepper seasoning adds a convenient blend of citrusy zest and peppery warmth. If lemon pepper seasoning isn’t available, don’t fret! You can achieve a similar flavor by using a combination of a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a little extra grated lemon zest.
- Chicken Broth or Stock: This liquid component is vital for cooking the orzo pasta to perfection and forms the flavorful base of our sauce. For a lighter taste, or to make the dish vegetarian-friendly (when combined with plant-based chicken alternatives), vegetable broth can be easily swapped in. Always opt for reduced-sodium versions to maintain better control over the overall saltiness of your dish.
- Orzo Pasta: Orzo, a unique small, rice-shaped pasta, is central to this dish’s signature cozy texture. Its ability to absorb flavors and cook quickly makes it ideal for one-pan meals. If you’re out of orzo, pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) makes an excellent textural and visual substitute, though you might need to slightly adjust its cooking time according to package directions. Other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini de pepe, or even broken vermicelli can also work in a pinch.
- Baby Spinach or Kale: These leafy greens add vibrant color, a significant boost of nutrition, and a touch of wholesome earthiness that wilts beautifully into the warm pasta. For variations, consider other tender, quick-cooking vegetables. Diced asparagus pieces (cut into 1-inch diagonal spears) or small broccoli florets are fantastic choices – just add these firmer vegetables along with the orzo pasta during the simmering stage to ensure they cook through perfectly.
- Grape Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, grape tomatoes burst with delightful flavor when gently heated, adding both sweetness and a delicate acidity. Cherry tomatoes, halved, or even diced Roma tomatoes are easy and delicious substitutes, offering a similar fresh tang and a beautiful pop of color to the final dish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This is unequivocally the star of the show, providing that signature bright, zesty, and refreshing flavor that defines this dish! We cannot stress enough the importance of using freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice often lacks the vibrant acidity, nuanced aroma, and pure, clean taste that truly elevates this recipe from good to extraordinary. A fresh lemon will make all the difference!
- Fresh Basil Leaves (Optional Garnish): A delicate sprinkle of fresh basil ribbons adds a beautiful aromatic finish, enhancing the Mediterranean feel of the dish. If fresh basil isn’t on hand, finely chopped fresh parsley or a dash of dried Italian herbs can be used as alternatives. If you happen to have an abundance of basil, don’t let it go to waste – try making our refreshing Basil Lemonade to accompany your delicious dinner!
Exciting Recipe Variations to Try
While this lemon chicken orzo pasta is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Dairy-Free Delight (Olive Oil Swap): If you prefer a dairy-free meal or simply enjoy the robust, peppery notes of olive oil, feel free to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil instead of butter when searing the chicken. This simple swap imparts a wonderfully bright and fruity flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the lemon zest and fresh herbs, maintaining all the deliciousness without dairy.
- Creamy Indulgence (Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo): For an extra layer of luxuriousness and a truly decadent mouthfeel, stir a generous splash of heavy cream or half-and-half (about ¼ to ½ cup) into the lemon chicken orzo just before serving. This transforms the dish into a silky, rich, and incredibly satisfying creamy lemon chicken orzo pasta, where the sauce beautifully clings to every piece of tender chicken, orzo, and vibrant baby spinach or kale.
- Herbaceous Finish: Elevate the fresh flavors and visual appeal by sprinkling a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley or fragrant fresh dill over the skillet just before serving. These bright green herbs not only add a beautiful pop of color but also provide a delightful boost of fresh, aromatic taste that perfectly complements the lemon and chicken, making each bite even more invigorating.
- Rice Alternative: If orzo isn’t available, or you’re looking for a gluten-free option (ensure gluten-free broth and flour are used), you can easily substitute cooked rice. To maintain those cozy, comforting flavors, stir in a bit of grated Parmesan cheese (if dairy is okay) and a pinch of Italian seasoning along with the cooked rice. This creates a similar hearty, flavorful dish with a slightly different, yet equally satisfying, texture.
- Spicy Mediterranean Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning. You can also finish the dish with a drizzle of spicy chili oil or a few thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra zing that complements the lemon.
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Feta Boost: Stir in a quarter cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) along with the fresh grape tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor. For an extra Mediterranean touch, crumble some salty feta cheese over the top just before serving.
🎯 Pro Tip: Mastering Basil Chiffonade
To achieve perfectly cut, delicate basil ribbons (known as chiffonade) and avoid bruising the tender leaves, always use a very sharp knife. A dull blade will crush the leaves, releasing their oils prematurely and resulting in a darker, less vibrant garnish. To chiffonade, stack 5-10 basil leaves neatly, roll them tightly like a cigar, and then slice across the roll into thin strips (about ⅛-inch wide). Gently separate the ribbons with your fingers before sprinkling over your dish for professional results.
Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
This lemon chicken orzo recipe is celebrated for its remarkable simplicity, which extends to the minimal equipment required. Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking:
- 12″ Skillet or Sauté Pan with a Lid: This is your star player in this one-pan wonder. A large skillet or sauté pan (ideally non-stick or cast iron) is essential for searing the chicken and simmering the orzo. A tight-fitting lid is crucial for perfectly cooked pasta.
- Shallow Bowl: A small, shallow bowl is ideal for whisking together the flour and seasonings, making it easy to dredge the chicken.
- Fork or Small Whisk: For combining the dry ingredients evenly in the shallow bowl, ensuring no lumps.
- Plate: A clean plate is needed to temporarily hold the cooked chicken while the orzo simmers, allowing it to rest and stay juicy.
- Aluminum Foil: A sheet of aluminum foil is used to loosely cover the cooked chicken on the plate, retaining its warmth and moisture.
- Meat Thermometer (Optional but Highly Recommended): For ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe and juicy internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), preventing overcooking and dryness.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring, scraping up delicious browned bits (fond), and mixing ingredients.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Chicken Orzo
Follow these simple, straightforward steps to create a truly unforgettable and incredibly easy one-pan lemon chicken orzo pasta dish:
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Prepare the Flavorful Chicken Coating.
Begin by setting up your chicken coating. In a clean, shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fragrant garlic powder, and zesty lemon pepper seasoning. Ensure this dry mixture is thoroughly combined, as an even distribution of spices is key to imparting delicious flavor to your chicken. This blend will not only season the chicken but also help create a delicate, golden crust when seared.
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Evenly Coat the Chicken.
Take each individual chicken tenderloin (or your carefully sliced skinless chicken breast strips, if using) and dip it into the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure both sides are thoroughly coated with an even, light layer. This initial dredging not only locks in moisture and adds a foundational layer of flavor but also helps create that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior when the chicken is seared.
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Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection.
In a large 12-inch skillet (the one you’ll use for the entire dish), melt the butter (or pour in the olive oil, if preferred) over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and gently bubbling, or the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even searing. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until each piece achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and is thoroughly cooked through. To be absolutely sure, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate, loosely covering it with aluminum foil to keep it warm and juicy while you proceed with the orzo.
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Cook the Orzo to Al Dente Perfection.
Resist the urge to clean the pan – those delicious browned bits (known as “fond”) left at the bottom are packed with incredible flavor! Pour the chicken broth or stock into the same skillet and bring it to a rolling boil over medium heat. Make sure to actively scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula; this deglazing step adds immense depth and richness to your sauce. Stir in the orzo pasta, let it return to a boil briefly, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with its lid and let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. The goal here is for the orzo to become tender yet still retain a slight bite (al dente) and for most of the flavorful broth to be absorbed, creating a rich, creamy consistency for your pasta base.
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Incorporate Fresh Veggies and Zesty Flavor.
Once the orzo pasta is perfectly cooked and tender, remove the skillet from the heat. This is the ideal moment to introduce the fresh elements that will truly brighten the dish: the tender baby spinach (or kale), the sweet and juicy grape tomatoes, and of course, the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Gently mix all these ingredients together with a wooden spoon or spatula. The residual heat from the warm orzo will quickly wilt the greens, infusing the entire dish with their fresh flavor, a beautiful splash of vibrant color, and an irresistible aroma.
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Assemble, Garnish, and Serve Your Masterpiece!
Gently nestle the warm, cooked chicken pieces back into the fragrant orzo and vegetable mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the pan. For an exquisite and vibrant finish, sprinkle with a delicate dusting of freshly grated lemon zest, a generous handful of vibrant fresh parsley, or fragrant fresh dill. If you desire, add a generous shaving of nutty Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of savory depth. Serve your lemon chicken orzo pasta warm, inviting everyone to enjoy this bright, satisfying, and utterly delicious one-pan meal!
🎯 Pro Tip: Preventing Overcooked Orzo
Orzo pasta can quickly go from perfectly al dente to disappointingly mushy if it’s left in hot liquid for too long after cooking. To maintain that ideal texture, if your orzo finishes simmering before you’re completely ready to add the vegetables or chicken, a clever trick is to quickly and gently rinse it under a stream of cool water. This immediately halts the cooking process, ensuring your orzo remains beautifully textured and never overcooked. Remember to drain it thoroughly before combining it with the other ingredients to prevent excess moisture in your finished dish.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
This lemon chicken orzo pasta stands proudly as a complete and satisfying weeknight dinner all on its own. However, if you’re looking to elevate your meal, create a more elaborate spread, or simply want to add a little something extra, here are a few delicious ideas to round out your dining experience and impress your guests:
- Simple Roasted Vegetables: Complement the bright, zesty flavors of the pasta with a side of effortlessly prepared roasted carrots and asparagus. Their natural sweetness and tender-crisp texture make a wonderful contrast to the savory orzo, adding more color and nutrients to your plate.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad, perhaps topped with crumbled feta cheese, crunchy croutons, or a tangy lemon vinaigrette, offers a refreshing counterpoint and additional texture that beautifully balances the richness of the pasta.
- Crusty Bread for Sopping: For the ultimate cozy, family-style meal experience, serve this lemon chicken orzo pasta alongside warm, crusty garlic bread, soft garlic knots, or a simple baguette. They are absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of that irresistible lemony, buttery, and savory sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste!
- Dutch Oven Presentation: If you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to keep the dish piping hot for seconds, preparing and serving the lemon orzo chicken in a beautiful enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is a fantastic idea. It looks incredibly impressive on the table and excels at retaining heat, ensuring every serving is as warm and delicious as the first.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine would beautifully enhance the lemon notes in the dish. Consider serving a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay to complement the bright flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Chicken Orzo
Orzo is a delightful form of short-cut pasta, uniquely shaped like a large grain of rice. Its name means “barley” in Italian, a nod to its visual resemblance. It’s incredibly versatile and commonly featured in soups, vibrant salads, and as a hearty base for comforting dishes like this lemon chicken orzo, where its small size allows it to absorb flavors beautifully and cook remarkably quickly.
If you find yourself out of orzo, your best substitutes would be other small pasta shapes. Pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) is an excellent textural and visual match, though it may take a minute or two longer to cook to al dente. Other small pasta varieties like ditalini, acini de pepe, or even broken vermicelli can also work effectively. For a gluten-free option, you could use a small amount of cooked white or brown rice, or quinoa, adjusting the liquid amounts as necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
To properly store your delicious lemon chicken orzo pasta, first allow the entire dish to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and incredibly flavorful for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, or use a microwave. Orzo tends to absorb liquid as it sits, so adding a splash of extra chicken broth or water can help loosen the pasta and restore its creamy, appealing texture, preventing it from becoming too dry.
Absolutely, a Dutch oven is a fantastic choice for preparing this lemon chicken orzo recipe! Its heavy bottom and superior heat retention properties are perfect for searing the chicken evenly and simmering the orzo to perfection. It’s especially recommended if you’re planning on doubling the recipe to feed a larger crowd, or if you simply want to keep the dish warm for an extended period, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or buffet-style serving. Just ensure your Dutch oven has a tight-fitting lid to allow the orzo to cook properly.
Yes, this lemon chicken orzo pasta can certainly be considered a healthy and well-balanced meal! It features lean protein from the chicken, providing essential amino acids, complex carbohydrates from the orzo for sustained energy, and a significant amount of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fresh spinach and tomatoes. By choosing reduced-sodium broth and emphasizing fresh ingredients, you are building a wholesome and nutritious dinner. For an even lighter version, you can easily reduce the amount of butter or opt for olive oil entirely. The reliance on fresh lemon juice also provides a natural and vibrant flavor boost without the need for heavy creams or excessive fats, aligning well with a Mediterranean-inspired diet.
Absolutely! This lemon chicken orzo is incredibly versatile and welcomes a variety of vegetables. Great additions include finely diced zucchini, thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), green peas, or even mushrooms. For firmer vegetables like broccoli florets or asparagus spears, it’s best to add them along with the orzo pasta in step 4, allowing them enough time to cook through and become tender in the broth. Softer vegetables like peas or zucchini can be stirred in with the spinach and tomatoes in step 5.
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta
Recipe by Renae Gerhardstein
Prepare this incredibly easy and flavorful one-pan lemon chicken orzo pasta! Featuring tender, succulent chicken, creamy orzo, fresh spinach, and a bright lemon zest, this cozy dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Equipment
- 12″ skillet or sauté pan with a lid
- Shallow bowl
- Fork or small whisk
- Plate – for dipping the tenderloins
- Sheet of aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch strips)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning (or ½ tsp each of salt and pepper plus extra lemon zest)
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth or stock (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (or pearl couscous, ditalini)
- 1½ cups fresh baby spinach or kale, chopped (see notes for other veggie options)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes, halved)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (do not use bottled)
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, ribboned (chiffonade)
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
- Parmesan cheese, shaved or freshly grated
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, and lemon pepper seasoning until well combined.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin (or breast strips) into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
- Cook Chicken: In a large 12-inch skillet, melt the butter (or olive oil) over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
- Cook Orzo: Without cleaning the pan, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the orzo pasta, return to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add Veggies & Lemon: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh baby spinach (or kale), grape tomatoes, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Gently mix until the greens wilt.
- Combine & Serve: Nestle the cooked chicken back into the orzo mixture. Garnish with fresh basil, lemon wedges, fresh parsley/dill, or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your bright, flavorful, one-pan meal!
Notes
- Basil Chiffonade Tip: For perfect basil ribbons, stack 5-10 leaves, roll them tightly like a cigar, and slice thinly with a sharp knife. Gently separate the ribbons before garnishing.
- Preventing Mushy Orzo: If orzo finishes cooking early, quickly rinse it with cool water to halt cooking, then drain well before mixing with other ingredients.
- Ingredient Swaps:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be sliced into 1.5 x 2-inch strips to substitute tenderloins. Boneless chicken thighs also work for a richer flavor.
- Other Vegetables: Asparagus spears (1-inch diagonal pieces) or small broccoli florets can replace spinach/kale. Add them with the orzo in Step 4 to ensure proper cooking.
- Rice Option: If using cooked rice instead of orzo, stir in some Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for similar comforting flavors.
- Recipe Variations:
- Creamy Version: Stir a splash of heavy cream (¼ – ½ cup) into the orzo mixture just before adding the chicken for a richer, velvety sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter for cooking the chicken.
- Extra Herbs: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill for added aroma and color.
- Storing Instructions: Allow the dish to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if needed to restore moisture.
Nutrition
