Description
A flavorful and comforting Lemon Chicken and Orzo recipe featuring tender chicken breast cooked with lemon juice, dried basil, and Parmesan cheese, making a creamy and delicious one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Orzo and Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 16 ounces orzo
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
Finishing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup salted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown and is cooked through.
- Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 1/4 cup lemon juice, then add 16 ounces of orzo and 2 tablespoons dried basil. Increase heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Orzo: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the orzo cook until al dente, about 10 minutes depending on the orzo brand. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish Dish: Turn off the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup salted butter until melted and creamy. Serve the lemon chicken and orzo hot.
Notes
- Add vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans during the last few minutes of cooking to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
- For softer vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, stir them in after cooking and allow them to wilt in the residual heat.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Adjust lemon juice amount to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
