Maple-Lime Chicken & Summer Greens Orzo Bowl
dairy-free · family · en
This easy summer meal combines juicy, maple-lime glazed chicken thighs with soft orzo pasta, tender green beans, and fresh spinach. It's quick, packed with protein and greens, and its soft textures are perfect for toddlers and adults alike.
- Squeeze extra fresh lime juice over adult portions for a zesty kick.
- Swap the spinach for finely chopped kale if you prefer, but be sure to cook it for an extra minute so it softens properly.
- Prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge to make weeknight assembly even faster.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Age
- family
Ingredients
Watch how it's made
Steps
In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, lime juice, and half of the olive oil. Toss the diced chicken thighs in the mixture until coated.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes.
Stir the halved green beans into the pasta. Cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pasta is tender and the beans are soft.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the finely chopped spinach until it wilts completely. Top the dish with the cooked chicken and serve warm or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but ONLY for children over 12 months. Honey poses a risk of infant botulism for babies under one year, which is why maple syrup is used as a baby-safe alternative.
Can this recipe be served cold?
Absolutely! This dish doubles beautifully as a refreshing, cold pasta salad on hot summer days.
How should I serve this to my baby?
Ensure the chicken is shredded or cut into very tiny pieces to prevent choking. Make sure the green beans are steamed until very soft, and serve the orzo in small spoonfuls.
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