Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Chicken Orzo is a bright, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and delicate orzo pasta in a savory broth. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with fresh, vibrant flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. Zest and juice the lemons, and mince the garlic to ensure fresh flavors burst into every bite.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers invitingly.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken, cooking until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes each.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you build the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic and oregano to the same skillet, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a lively boil, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
7. Step 7: Stir the orzo into the broth and cook according to package instructions until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
8. Step 8: Once the orzo is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Mix in the lemon juice and zest, stirring gently for another 2-3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Serve the Lemon Chicken Orzo warm. Garnish with extra lemon zest for an eye-catching finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a healthier twist, try using whole grain orzo instead of regular pasta.
• You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor and color.
• Use regular chicken broth if low-sodium isn’t available, but adjust salt accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover Lemon Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is it necessary to zest the lemons, or can I just use the juice?

Both zest and juice add brightness and depth of flavor. The zest provides a fragrant aroma and slight bitterness that enhances the dish, so it’s best to include both if possible.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 211 reviews

This vibrant Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken breasts with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth. A quick and satisfying one-pan dish that bursts with freshness and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (opt for high-quality chicken for the best flavor)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing the chicken)

Orzo and Broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta (try whole grain orzo for a healthier twist)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (regular broth works too; adjust salt accordingly)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced for an aromatic touch)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (enhances overall flavor)

Lemon Flavor

• 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice for the best flavor and brightness)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Zest and juice the lemons, and mince the garlic, ensuring fresh flavors burst into every bite.
2. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers invitingly.
3. Season and Sauté Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken, cooking until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes each side.
4. Rest the Chicken: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. Letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute for juicy meat.
5. Sauté Garlic and Oregano: Add the minced garlic and oregano to the same skillet, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Add Chicken Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a lively boil, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
7. Cook Orzo: Stir the orzo into the broth, cooking it according to package instructions until it’s tender, about 10-12 minutes.
8. Combine Chicken and Lemon: Once the orzo is cooked, add the chicken back to the skillet. Mix in the lemon juice and zest, stirring gently for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
9. Serve: Dish out your Lemon Chicken Orzo while it’s warm. Garnish with extra lemon zest for an eye-catching finish.

Notes

• Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t have the same zest.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
• For a healthier variation, swap regular orzo for whole grain orzo.
• Adjust salt according to the sodium content of your chicken broth.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh touch.

Keywords: Lemon Chicken Orzo, Lemon Chicken, Orzo Pasta Recipe, One-Pan Chicken Dinner, Mediterranean Chicken Recipe