Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Zest and juice the lemons, and mince the garlic, ensuring fresh flavors burst into every bite.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers invitingly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sauté Garlic and Oregano: Add the minced garlic and oregano to the same skillet, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Chicken Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a lively boil, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Cook Orzo: Stir the orzo into the broth, cooking it according to package instructions until it’s tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe/
