Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
This vibrant Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe features tender, golden-brown chicken pieces cooked in a lemony, garlicky broth with orzo pasta that soaks up all the flavors. A perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and refreshing, combining simple ingredients into a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice separated)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken pieces turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the chicken with bright, herbal notes.
- Incorporate Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat the pasta in the flavorful juices and oil, preparing it to absorb the broth.
- Simmer with Broth and Lemon: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth along with the lemon juice. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus aroma, and serve the dish warm for a bright, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For extra freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
- If orzo absorbs liquid too quickly, add a little more chicken broth or water to avoid drying out.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo pasta, one-pan meal, easy dinner, quick weeknight recipe, Mediterranean chicken, garlic chicken, lemon zest, healthy chicken dish
Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe/
