Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Lemon Chicken with Orzo is a quick, flavorful, and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seared and simmered in a bright lemon and chicken broth sauce with orzo pasta, creating a vibrant and satisfying dish. Fresh garlic, lemon zest, and parsley add refreshing aromas and colors, making this meal both delicious and visually appealing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free orzo or substitutes)
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Carbohydrates
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 large fresh lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic and Orzo: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in fresh lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping the browned bits off the pan for extra flavor. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional lemon zest over the dish. Let rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for optimal brightness and flavor.
- Do not overcook chicken; internal temperature should reach 165°F to keep it juicy.
- Lightly toast orzo before adding liquids for a richer taste.
- Deglaze the pan with lemon juice and broth to capture all browned bits for deeper flavor.
- Allow the dish to rest covered for a few minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo, quick dinner, one-pan meal, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, Mediterranean chicken
Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/lemon-chicken-with-orzo/