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Test Kitchen Approved

Lemon Dill Orzo with Paprika-Crusted Chicken

Lemon Dill Orzo with Paprika-Crusted Chicken

Lemon Dill Orzo with Paprika-Crusted Chicken

Recipe By Hal Simon, Savory Spice—North Austin, TX customer

Yields

6 to 8 servings

Recipe By Hal Simon, Savory Spice—North Austin, TX customer

"Full of flavor, light yet filling, and simply delicious." -Alicia P.

Recipe Notes

*Use Smoked Spanish Sweet Paprika if you do not want any heat.

Ingredients

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

5 Tbsp. butter, divided



1 lb. orzo pasta

8 oz. crumbled feta cheese


1 lb. fresh or frozen baby spinach

Grated zest and juice of 2 large lemons

2 to 2 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided



Savory Spice ingredients in this recipe

  • Mayan Sea Salt

    Mayan Sea Salt has a clean appearance and flavor but is also an interesting tie to the ancient Mayan way of life. This sea salt was harvested off t...

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  • Coarse Black Malabar Pepper

    This Coarse Black Malabar Pepper makes a hearty peppery seasoning for a variety of savory meals. These coarsely ground black peppercorns have a bol...

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  • Dill Weed

    Dill Weed seasoning is made up of dried dill leaves and is more commonly used to as a dill spice to season your favorite seafood, dip and sauce rec...

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  • Cantanzaro Herbs

    Cantanzaro Herbs are a salt-free, mixed herbs seasoning blend based on our Italian Herbs seasoning blend, but is more all-purpose in usage. We reco...

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  • Hungarian Sweet & Spicy Paprika

    Hungarian Sweet & Spicy Paprika is our hotter, spicier version of authentic Hungarian paprika (thanks to some added cayenne pepper!) We regulat...

    View full details

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a saucepan, bring broth, 2 1/2 Tbsp. of butter, Mayan Sea Salt, and Coarse Black Malabar Pepper to a boil. Add spinach to boiling broth (if using fresh, add a handful at a time and let wilt before adding more). In a 3-quart baking dish, mix orzo, feta, Dill Weed, and lemon juice. Pour broth mixture over orzo and stir to incorporate.

Mix breadcrumbs, lemon zest, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and remaining spices. Coat chicken thighs with remaining 2 1/2 Tbsp. melted butter and roll chicken thighs in the breadcrumb mixture. Lay pieces evenly on top of the orzo mixture in the the baking dish.

Bake until orzo is tender and cooking liquid is creamy, 35 to 40 min. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan on top and bake 10 min. longer or until the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 to 10 min. before serving.