Description
A flavorful and comforting Lemon Chicken and Orzo dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked with lemon juice, chicken broth, and orzo pasta, finished with Parmesan cheese and butter for a creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 16 ounces orzo
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 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, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 16 ounces orzo, and 2 tablespoons dried basil. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Orzo: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook the orzo until al dente, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup salted butter until melted and creamy. Serve the dish hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor: asparagus in the last 3 to 4 minutes, broccoli about 5 minutes before orzo is done, green beans in the last 5 minutes.
- For softer vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, stir them into the dish after turning off the heat and let them wilt gently.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper after cooking if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
