Hey y’all!
Okay, let’s talk about dinner goals. Something quick, easy, and totally delicious? Somethin’ that jumps right in my mind is Lemon Chicken with Orzo (another great dish with chicken, like Chicken Breast on Traeger Grill). It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, I swear. And the best part about it? You can whip it up on a Tuesday without breaking a sweat.
Imagine the tender, juicy chicken bathed in a bright, lemony sauce, dancing with perfectly cooked orzo. It’s like a little taste of sunshine on a plate. Don’t worry, I’m not drooling, you are!
Ready? Goooo!!
The Inspiration Behind Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Ever wonder why this dish is such a beloved classic? The answer lies in its roots, drawing inspiration from the flavors of Greek chicken lemon soup with orzo. Traditional Greek lemon chicken soup with orzo often highlights fresh, simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch, and this lemon chicken with orzo recipe is no exception. The tangy, refreshing taste of lemon pairs beautifully with the heartiness of chicken and the smooth texture of orzo, creating a well-balanced dish that’s both satisfying and light.
The use of orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, is also key to this dish's popularity. Not only does it cook quickly, but it also absorbs the bright, lemony broth, creating little bursts of flavor with every bite. It's like a Mediterranean twist on comfort food, which is why it resonates so well with home cooks looking for both tradition and simplicity in their meals. Whether you're serving it on a cozy weeknight or dishing it up for guests, this recipe brings a touch of sunshine to the table!
Ingredients Used to Make Lemon Chicken with Orzo
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
How to Make Lemon Chicken with Orzo
- Prep – Start by seasoning the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s beautifully browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside, pretending it’s taking a little nap before the big show.
- Cook – In the same skillet, toss in a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant about 1 minute. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, bringing the whole mixture to a joyful boil. Stir in the orzo and return the chicken to the skillet. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer away for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the orzo is tender and the chicken is perfectly cooked through.
- Serve – Once your Lemon Chicken with Orzo is ready, give it a stir, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and get ready to dig in. Serve straight from the skillet and enjoy the burst of lemony goodness.
And that’s done! This Lemon Chicken with Orzo is like a one-pot party that’ll leave you smiling and satisfied. Enjoy every spoonful and let the tangy lemon and tender orzo work their magic!
Tips to Perfect Your Lemon Chicken with Orzo Recipe
Want to take your lemon chicken with orzo recipe to the next level? Here are a few expert tips that’ll ensure your dish is bursting with flavor every time:
- Choose Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are non-negotiable in this dish! They provide that signature tangy brightness. Store-bought lemon juice can sometimes taste flat or sour, so grab a fresh lemon for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo is delicate and can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on it while it simmers, and aim for that perfect al dente texture. The pasta should still have a little bite to it for the best texture.
- Boost the Flavor: If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some additional ingredients like capers or artichoke hearts for an extra Mediterranean flair. Or, if you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Pair it Right: Looking to round out your meal? This dish pairs perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables or a light green salad. The lemony brightness complements a wide range of sides, making it a versatile addition to your dinner repertoire.
By following these tips, you'll transform this simple lemon chicken with orzo recipe into an impressive and unforgettable meal.
Nutrition Facts for Lemon Chicken with Orzo (Per Serving)
Here's a breakdown of the nutrition for a single serving of lemon chicken with orzo:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Quick Cooking Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Inactive Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
Yield: 4 servings
Jumping into this Lemon Chicken with Orzo recipe for a comforting meal that combines zesty lemon with tender chicken and orzo pasta. Easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and return chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet.
Notes
- For an extra kick, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed veggies.
Love the Lemon Chicken with Orzo and looking for more easy and delicious recipes? Head over to So Damn Delish for more mouth-watering meals that are perfect for any day of the week.
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Lemon Chicken with Orzo: Juicy and Flavorful One-Pan Delight
Jumping into this Lemon Chicken with Orzo recipe at sodamndelish for a comforting meal that combines zesty lemon with tender chicken and orzo pasta.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and return chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet.
Notes
For an extra kick, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Meat & Chicken
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
