Description
A bright, comforting, and healthy lemon chicken orzo dinner ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights with fresh flavors and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta (175g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- Juice of 1 large lemon plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth (600ml)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (about 15g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional add-ins: 2 cups baby spinach (60g), 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150g)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by zesting and juicing the lemon, mincing the garlic, and chopping the parsley. Prepare optional spinach and cherry tomatoes if using.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium, add remaining tablespoon olive oil, then sauté garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add orzo to the skillet and toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir and bring to a simmer. Nestle chicken breasts back into the pan with the orzo. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley and optional spinach or cherry tomatoes. Let residual heat wilt the spinach and warm the tomatoes.
- Slice chicken or serve whole alongside the lemony orzo. Optionally drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
[‘Do not skip the lemon zest for best flavor.’, ‘Use low sodium broth to control saltiness.’, ‘Toast the orzo before simmering for nuttier flavor.’, ‘Avoid overcooking chicken; use a meat thermometer if needed (165°F/74°C).’, ‘Fresh parsley adds best flavor and color; dried parsley is a substitute.’, ‘Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or water to loosen orzo.’, ‘Optional add-ins like spinach and cherry tomatoes add nutrition and color.’, ‘Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat; adjust cooking time accordingly.’, ‘For dairy-free, skip cheese toppings.’, ‘Orzo can be swapped with couscous or small pasta shapes.’, ‘If cooking orzo separately, reduce broth in skillet and add cooked orzo at the end.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo dinner, healthy dinner, quick chicken recipe, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe