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Lemon Chicken and Orzo

Lemon Chicken and Orzo
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A quick and satisfying one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken breasts, lightly toasted orzo pasta, and bright, zesty lemon flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish balances fresh, comforting flavors with minimal ingredients and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 lemons (zest and juice)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté garlic and toast orzo: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then add the orzo pasta and toast it lightly, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color.
  3. Add broth and lemon: Pour in the chicken broth along with fresh lemon juice and a touch of lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the orzo to cook and absorb the flavorful broth for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
  4. Combine and finish cooking: Slice the rested chicken breasts and nestle them back into the pan on top of the cooked orzo. Let everything warm through together for a couple more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat without drying out.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons; fresh juice and zest make a huge difference in brightening the dish.
  • Don’t overcook the orzo; it should be tender but slightly firm to keep texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Let the chicken rest to keep it moist and juicy.
  • Toast the orzo gently for a nutty flavor boost.
  • Adjust seasoning last by tasting after cooking to balance acidity and saltiness perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo, quick dinner, easy recipe, one-pan meal, Mediterranean, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/lemon-chicken-and-orzo/