Dive into a bowl of comfort and freshness with this Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe. Packed with tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and bright lemony flavors, this delicious dinner is perfect for both busy weeknights and lazy Sundays.
The addition of freshly grated parmesan and fresh herbs elevates the dish into something you’d be proud to serve to guests. Trust me, this lemon chicken orzo recipe will be your new go-to when you’re craving something comforting yet light!
FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store and shred it. Replace the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the recipe card to save time.
- Can I use homemade chicken stock? Yes, homemade chicken stock brings out the best flavor in the recipe. If you only have chicken broth, that works just fine too.
- What kind of white wine should I use? Any dry white wine for cooking will do. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply replace it with extra chicken broth.
Tips and Tricks
- For the best flavor, sauté the onions and garlic on medium heat until golden brown before adding the chicken and other ingredients.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh flavor.
- Season your recipe with kosher salt and black pepper to taste; the amount of salt may vary depending on your chicken broth.
Variations
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, baby spinach, or lots of vegetables for a nutrient boost.
- Spice It Up: For some heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Where to Serve
This lemon chicken orzo recipe makes a great dish for family dinners, meal prep for the week, or even for special occasions. It’s a wholesome alternative to classic chicken noodle recipes, and it’s sure to impress your family members or guests with its robust flavors.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the recipe without the orzo as the pasta might get mushy. You can always add cooked or uncooked orzo when reheating.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Mushy Orzo: To avoid overcooked orzo, cook it al dente. Follow the package instructions but subtract 2-3 minutes off the cooking time.
- Too Salty: If the recipe turns out too salty, adding some heavy cream can balance the flavors.
Tips for Making this Recipe with Kids
Get your little chefs to help with simpler tasks like shredding rotisserie chicken or squeezing the juice of the lemon. It’s a great way to introduce them to cooking and make the whole process a fun family activity.
Topping Options
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or fresh dill brings a burst of flavor.
- Lemon Slices: Float a couple of lemon slices for an extra zing.
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese ties all the flavors together.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken works wonderfully with the large grain of rice-like texture of orzo.
Lastly, a touch of white wine and garlic adds depth, making it a well-rounded dish that’s sure to earn a star rating on your dinner table. So, the next time you’re on the hunt for a simple yet scrumptious soup, look no further than this lemon orzo chicken recipe. Enjoy!
What are some other amazing chicken recipes to try?
- Easy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Dinner Recipe
- Easy One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner
- Easy Honey Soy Chicken Thighs For Dinner Tonight
- Easy Copycat Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe
- The Best Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken
If you are looking for more fun dinner recipes be sure to check out this comprehensive list! Easy and Tasty Dinner Ideas For The Whole Family!
Amazing One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta
This amazing weeknight Lemon Chicken pasta recipe is super flavorful and only needs one pot to make it in!
Ingredients
- 6 chicken tenders or 2 chicken breasts
- 3-4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 3 cups Orzo
- 2 tbsp onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup white cooking wine
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- Juice ½ lemon
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Add Olive Oil to a pan and heat over medium high
- Season chicken with salt, black and white pepper (or just black pepper), garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Add to the pan with the oil.
- Cook on both side until browned, and inside reaches 160F. (about 4-5 min per side)
- Remove from pan
- Add in the onions and garlic
- Sautee for 1.5-2 mins until fragrant.
- Deglaze with white wine and stir for 1 min.
- Add in the chicken broth and orzo
- Stir to coat the pasta, reduce the heat if your pan is not at medium heat.
- Stir every 2 min to make sure orzo doesn’t stick.
- Cook pasta for 7 mins, add the cream and parmesan
- Stir together and let simmer until orzo is tender (about 5-7 mins).
- Add the lemon juice and parsley
- Stir to incorporate.
- Return the chicken to the pan, stir and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 587Total Fat 37gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 24gCholesterol 73mgSodium 1135mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 24g
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Before you go, check out these great posts!
Easy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Dinner Recipe
The Best Pasta Recipes For Weeknight Dinners
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe For Dinner Tonight
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am a busy mama of three, wife to my high school sweetheart who loves to cook, workout and stay organized! I love to share helpful printables, the best recipes and fitness tips for the modern mom. I strongly believe that every mom can feed their family well, take proper care of themselves and have fun along the way! Read my story.
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