A bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo feels like a warm hug. It’s comforting, bright, and full of flavor. I still remember the first time I cooked this. I had asked a few friends over for dinner, and I was determined to impress them without spending the whole day in the kitchen. When my friends came over, they could smell the garlic and lemon cooking and their eyes lit up. We laughed, told stories, and enjoyed every drop of the citrusy goodness.
Not only is this dish tasty, but it’s also very flexible! You can add vegetables to it or use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. This is the recipe I use most often for parties and even quiet nights at home when I want something easy but tasty. So, let me show you how to make this delicious dish that will brighten up any table!
What does Lemon Chicken Orzo have in it?
Let’s take a look at the main parts of this delicious recipe, shall we?
Chicken Breast: I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breast because it’s low in fat and cooks quickly. Sometimes I choose thighs for extra juiciness when I want to feel fancy.
These little pasta shapes look like rice and soak up all the flavors perfectly. You can usually find orzo in the pasta aisle. You could also try whole grain for a healthier option.
This is where the magic happens: chicken broth. A good broth makes things taste better and adds depth. I like the low-sodium kinds because they help me control the saltiness.
The best flavor is fresh lemon juice and zest. Fresh lemons make the dish brighter and give it that lemony kick that makes it so good. For that extra zing, don’t forget to zest it.
Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and vegetables. Extra virgin is my favorite because it tastes good and is good for you.
Garlic is a must! It gives depth and smell. I usually choose fresh garlic, even though it takes a while to chop.
Parsley: Fresh herbs make the dish taste better. I like to add some chopped parsley on top for color and freshness.
Spinach (Optional): If you love vegetables like I do, adding fresh spinach is a great way to get some greens in without anyone noticing!
Is Lemon Chicken Orzo Healthy?
Of course! If you use whole grain orzo and fill it with colorful veggies, this dish can be a healthy choice.
Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, which is important for keeping muscles healthy and making you feel full.
If you want to add spinach, it’s a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and antioxidants.
Lemon: The fresh juice and zest not only make the flavor brighter, but they also give you vitamin C, which is good for your skin and immune system.
If you’re watching how much sodium you eat, remember to choose low-sodium broth and add salt as needed.
Things you need
– 1 pound of chicken breast without bones or skin (serves 4)
– 1 cup of orzo pasta – 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth – The juice and zest of one big lemon
– 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
– 2 cups of fresh spinach (optional)
– ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
How do you make orzo with lemon chicken?
1. Begin by warming the olive oil in a big pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the pot after seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the food is brown and done. Take it out of the pot and let it cool before cutting it.
3. Add the minced garlic to the same pot and cook for about 30 seconds, or until it smells good.
4. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the orzo and cook it for the time on the package, which is usually 8 to 10 minutes. Stir now and then.
5. When the orzo is done cooking, add the lemon juice, zest, and spinach (if using) and stir until the spinach wilts.
6. Cut the chicken into pieces and put them back in the pot. Mix everything together and add more seasoning if necessary.
7. Put the food in bowls and, if you want, top them with fresh parsley and a little more lemon zest.
These tips will make your meal better!
– **Add Veggies**: You can add zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli for more nutrition and color.
– **Cheesy Goodness**: A little grated parmesan on top can make it even creamier.
– **Make it Ahead**: This dish keeps well! Just so you know, pasta can soak up a lot of liquid, so you might want to add a little chicken broth when you heat it up again.
– **Zesty Variations**: For a different taste, try using lime instead of lemon!
I can’t wait for you to taste this Lemon Chicken Orzo! It’s a meal that fills you up and makes you feel good. Let me know how it goes if you try it. Enjoy cooking!
