Description
Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo is the perfect weeknight dinner that combines juicy, marinated chicken breasts with tender orzo pasta. The chicken is infused with zesty lemon juice and freshly cracked black pepper, creating a bright and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. In under 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome meal ready to serve, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings. This versatile recipe allows for customization; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to enhance nutrition and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this delightful dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4)
- Orzo pasta (1 cup)
- Fresh lemons (2)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Garlic cloves (2)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken, coating well; let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the orzo: Boil salted water in a pot, add orzo, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Saut? the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: Remove chicken, add chicken broth and remaining marinade to the skillet, simmering for 2 minutes.
- Combine: Return cooked orzo to the skillet, mix well, then slice chicken and serve over the orzo.
Notes
For added flavor, zest one of the lemons before juicing.
Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
Substitute quinoa or couscous for orzo for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Saut?ing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg