Lemon Chicken & Orzo
Lemon Chicken & Orzo is a vibrant dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy orzo pasta, and a refreshing burst of lemon. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this one-pan meal is easy to prepare and promises to delight with its bright flavors and comforting textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the orzo pasta.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving; garnish with lemon slices or zest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider tossing in fresh spinach or seasonal vegetables. - Swap out orzo for quinoa or brown rice for a healthier twist. - Allowing chicken to rest before slicing keeps it juicy.