Lemon Chicken & Orzo
Lemon Chicken & Orzo is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken marinated in tangy lemon juice with tender orzo pasta, all enveloped in a fragrant herb sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering vibrant flavors and a beautiful presentation. Easy to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions, it can be customized with seasonal ingredients to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet. Sauté additional garlic (if desired) until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo pasta and cook for about 10-12 minutes until al dente.
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet with chopped herbs. Mix well and serve with extra lemon juice if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg