Description
A delightful combination of lemon pepper chicken, broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta that brings brightness and heartiness to any dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (divided)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Toss the chicken pieces with black pepper, half the lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta into the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, allowing the pasta to lightly toast.
- Pour in the chicken broth and remaining salt. Return the chicken to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 8 minutes.
- Uncover the skillet and stir in the broccoli florets. Cover again and cook for 3–4 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the orzo is al dente.
- Fold in the butter, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and remaining lemon zest. Stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Transfer the skillet contents to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For best results, use quality chicken broth and adjust lemon juice according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Lemon Pepper Chicken, Broccoli, Orzo, Chicken Recipe, Italian Cuisine, Easy Dinner Recipe