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Crispy Roasted Rosemary Chicken Thighs and Spinach with Lemon Orzo

Crispy roasted rosemary chicken thighs paired with bright, lemony orzo and fresh spinach create a simple yet unforgettable cozy dinner perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Roasted Rosemary Chicken Thighs
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Orzo and Spinach
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 unit lemon juice juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 unit lemon zest zest of 1 lemon
  • Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Medium Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure perfectly crispy chicken skin.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix olive oil, fresh rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with this mixture.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and crisp skin.
  4. Step 4: Roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Step 5: While chicken roasts, bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  6. Step 6: Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
  7. Step 7: Stir in fresh spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the drained orzo. The residual heat will gently wilt the spinach.
  8. Step 8: Plate the lemon orzo and spinach, top with a roasted chicken thigh, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness. Orzo reheats well in microwave or stovetop with added broth or water to keep moist. You can substitute chicken thighs or herbs as desired.