30-60 min4 servingsChistopher Kimball

Lemony Orzo with Chicken and Arugula

By Chistopher Kimball

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4 servings

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30-60 min

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Easy

Lemony Orzo with Chicken and Arugula
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Recipe Details

Course: Desserts, Main Dishes, Side Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 30-60 min

Cooking Technique: Pressure Cook, Sauté

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 6 medium garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 3 cups lightly packed baby arugula
  • 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
  • crumbled feta cheese
Orzo means “barley” in Italian, but it also is the name of the pasta that resembles grains of rice. In this dish, we’ve paired orzo with chicken and greens, turning it into a light but complete one-pot meal. Feel free to substitute an equal amount of baby spinach for the arugula. And if you prefer tangy, creamy fresh goat cheese (chèvre) to briny feta, it’s also a delicious way to top the pasta.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. START: On a 6-quart Instant Pot, select More/High Sauté. Add the oil, onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until almost fully evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken, orzo and broth; stir to combine, then distribute in an even layer.
  2. Fast: Press Cancel, lock the lid in place and move the pressure valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook or Manual; make sure the pressure level is set to High. Set the cooking time for 6 minutes. When pressure cooking is complete, quick-release the steam by moving the pressure valve to Venting. Press Cancel, then carefully open the pot.
  3. FINISH: Stir the mixture to combine, then re-cover without locking the lid in place and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in the mint, arugula and lemon zest and juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with feta.

Notes

Don’t use chicken breasts instead of thighs, as the meat will end up tough and dry. But don’t cut the thighs into pieces larger than ¾ inch or they may not fully cook.

About the chef

Christopher Kimball

Christopher Kimball

Christopher Kimball is the founder of Milk Street, a multimedia cooking enterprise that includes a magazine, television show, and online cooking school. Prior to this, he co-founded America’s Test Kitchen and was a prominent figure in its TV shows and publications. Known for his dedication to accessible, globally inspired cooking, Kimball’s career centers on demystifying complex culinary techniques for home cooks. With decades of experience, he continues to influence the food world with his signature blend of culinary education and exploration.

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