Description
Lemon Chicken And Orzo offers a bright, one‑pot dinner that combines juicy diced chicken with tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and fluffy orzo for a satisfying, healthy meal. Ready in just fifteen minutes, this recipe delivers balanced protein, carbs, and vitamin C, making it perfect for busy families seeking a quick, flavorful weeknight option. The simple steps and minimal cleanup ensure you can enjoy a restaurant‑style dish at home without fuss. Serve with a crisp green salad for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
- Add diced chicken breast, cook until browned, about five to seven minutes.
- Stir in orzo, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for ten to twelve minutes, until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, let sit for a few minutes, fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten‑free version
- substitute quinoa for the orzo. Use low‑sodium broth to reduce sodium content. A splash of heavy cream added at the end creates a richer sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Lemon Chicken And Orzo, easy lemon chicken recipe, quick orzo dinner, weeknight chicken meals, lemon orzo side dish, healthy chicken dinner, one pot chicken recipes, family dinner ideas, high protein chicken meals