Description
Lemon Chicken and Orzo is a quick, one-pan dish combining tender, zesty chicken breasts with comforting orzo pasta soaked in a bright lemon and herb sauce. This family-friendly, healthy meal balances fresh citrus flavors with hearty protein and whole grains, making it an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner that can be customized to your pantry or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This creates the flavor base for the sauce.
- Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Pour the orzo directly into the skillet. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to toast it lightly, enhancing its nutty flavor and helping it absorb the sauce.
- Step 4: Add Liquids and Lemon
Pour in the chicken broth along with lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir to combine, then nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cover.
- Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Cook covered for about 15 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The liquid will reduce into a slightly creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Finish with Herbs and Cheese
Remove the chicken onto a plate. Stir chopped fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese into the orzo. Slice the chicken and place it back on top before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice lacks complexity.
- Do not overcook the chicken. Searing locks in moisture, finishing it in sauce keeps it tender.
- Toasting orzo adds depth of flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Reserve some chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pan stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo pasta, one pan meal, quick dinner, healthy, family-friendly, Mediterranean, citrus chicken